Finnish

The food of Finland or Finnish cuisine is a perfect amalgamation of haute cuisine and conventional cooking. This cuisine is notable for following the continental style of cooking with contemporary methods. The ‘Karelia’ refugees have contributed a lot to the Finnish food.

The ingredients and foodstuffs used in the Finnish recipes are all influenced by the cultural traditions as well as some historical aspects are associated with them. Swedish cuisine is also largely associated with Finnish cuisine and both the cuisines share many common features.

Some of the examples of Finnish recipes are Lihapullat, viili and perunamuusi. All these dishes are prepared with exotic and traditional Finnish styles.

Historical and Cultural Influences on Finnish Recipes

The origin of the Finnish food lies evidently in the land of Finland. This cuisine is highly influenced by the climatic conditions of the country. The use of staple tubers in the cooking is the result of the harsh climate that stops the production of various fruits and vegetables for at least nine months.

The commercialization and industrialization has also influenced the food of Finland. In place of traditional dishes; pizza, pasta and burgers were introduced to the cuisine. 20^th century was the time period when Finnish cooking had undergone lots of changes as a large number of women entered into service and cooking at home became a holiday chore only.

Ingredients Commonly used in Finnish Recipes

Eastern and western parts of Finland include different kind of Finnish food recipes. Meat and fish constitutes a large part of food in eastern parts whereas western Finland displays vegetables and mushrooms in the recipes. Wholemeal products such as foods made up of rye, barley and oats are quite popular in Finnish cuisine. All kinds of berries play an important role in Finnish recipes.

Among the drinks, milk and buttermilk is quite popular. Turnip was regarded the staple tuber in Finnish foods until the introduction of potato in 18^th century. Finnish desserts and sweets are also quite palatable with the use of milk, cream and berries.

Traditional and Finnish Recipes

• Kaalikaaryleet – It is a traditional dish in Finnish cuisine. This is typically a kind of cabbage roll.
• Lihapullat – These are very commonly served Finnish meatballs. It can either be served with gravy or dry.
• Hernekeitto – It is a kind of pea soup and traditionally served on Thursdays.

Food and Diet Routine in Finnish Cuisine

Three main meals are common in Finnish food. Breakfast is the first meal that is quite substantial and mainly includes open sandwiches. Lunch is also not very heavy and consists of sandwich or salad. Schools in Finland provide free lunch to the students as a rule set by the Finland’s welfare state. The dinner in Finnish cuisine is always hot meal. All the meals are single course meal including meat, rice and pasta.

The most inevitable part of a Finn’s life is a coffee break. It is their essential routine to have coffee in morning, afternoon and in evening.

Health Benefits of Finnish Recipes

Finnish food is quite healthful as it makes good use of fruits especially berries and various healthy vegetables. Meats also include fish that is relatively healthier than other forms of meat. Milk and milk products also add to the health factor associated with Finnish food.