I am a Murtaler - zirbenzapfen

Swiss stone pine is one of the highest quality trees, not only because of its resistant and hard wood. The oil of the stone pine has an antibacterial and relaxing effect. It has been proven that the heartbeat decreases when inhaling the scent of the stone pine. In the Murtal you will spend the night in many stone pine beds, here the night lasts at least an hour longer and you wake up, thanks to the stone pine well rested and relaxed. The trees grow between 20 and 30 meters high and up to 1000 years old. Since they prefer to grow at an altitude between 1300 and 2850 meters above sea level, they are extremely resistant and are among the most frost-resistant trees. The pine cone tree is nature protected. You can buy the cones at the Sabathyhütte in Obdach, at the Pflanzenhof Frewein and at the Waldheimhütte in St. Anna.

In July and August, the pine cone is particularly popular. 3-4 cones are enough for 1 liter of delicious Zirbenschnaps. For this purpose, you have to cut he young cones into slices and put it together with with 1 liter of grain or vodka and 30 grams of rock candy into a glass. Tip: Taste the seeds inside the cone, they are reminiscent of aromatic nuts - a delicate highlight to any snack. There are about 90 seeds in a cone.

Now the Zirbenschnaps needs rest. The pine cones enjoy this bath for at least 6 weeks. During this time, the liquid turns into an intense dark red. Once the aroma has developed well, the schnapps can be strained through a linen cloth and, if necessary, sweetened further with honey or sugar. The aroma continues to develop in the bottle. A lot of time, rest and love guarantee the best result.

But the pine cone gives its extraordinary aroma not only to schnapps, it also gives jellies, syrup, gin and beer its overwhelming taste.

The Swiss stone pine is a true all-rounder. The pleasant aroma gives as oil in fragrance lamps any room relaxing mood, in body care products this tree proves to be a miracle cure and the stone pine chips is not only a nice decoration, it replaces any fragrance potpourri.

Erlebnisregion Murtal: „What does connect you with the Murtal?“

Zirbenzapfen: „It is my home, high up in the Alps I enjoy the wonderful weather. In the cold winter my mom, the pine tree, protects me, but then when the sun´s rays illuminate the mountain panorama, I come out and enjoy the warm temperatures on the alp!"

Erlebnisregion Murtal: „When do you feel the heartbeat in the Murtal?“

Zirbenzapfen: „When I jump into a batching glass with approach liquor and then spray my intense color and especially my aroma, the heart beats properly. Especially when I am enjoyed after a snack, it is always an experience for me."

Erlebnisregion Murtal: „Where is your favourite place in the Murtal?“

Zirbenzapfen: „On the alps, here I have my peace, hanging out in the sun and enjoying the decelerating idleness!“