The beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday means that Austrians will be giving up tasty treats for a few weeks, as the traditional Christian fasting season begins.

As a result, the days of Krapfen donuts are numbered, so Austrians are buying them in the millions.  There are at least 22 different manufacturers in Vienna, whose quality is controlled by the Vienna Market Office (MA 59.)

There are strict standards to be maintained.  A Krapfen must – if not containing a hole – be filled with apricot jam, which must be at least 15 percent of the whole.  For each kilogram of flour, at least six egg yolks must be used.

"On the plates of the Viennese we allow only perfect food to land by using rigorous controls that ensure high food quality. This the Viennese can rely on…", said Consumer Protection Councillor Sandra Frauenberger.

On Saturday Faschingskrapfen are being given away at eight popular markets in Vienna, while supplies last.