FinnTouch presents: The taste of Finnish summer – 6 inspirations
The Finnish summer is the time of year when the whole country wakes up. After the long, often harsh winter, people long for light, air and sunshine. The Midsummer Festival – Juhannus in Finnish – is celebrated accordingly. Culinary delights also await you. Get a little inspiration below!
Mustikkapiirakka – the Finnish blueberry cake
Mustikkapiirakka is one of the delicacies that cannot be missed in the Finnish summer. This delicious blueberry cake is traditionally made from rye flour and baked in a tart tin. It is flat and of course there is no shortage of freshly picked blueberries – after all, Finland’s summer forests are full of these wonderful fruits. As the sun hardly sets in summer, if at all, they acquire an incomparable aroma. Of course, you can also bake Mustikkapiirakka at home in Germany. Some recipes can be found on the Internet, for example at Reisehappen or Cinnamon&Coriander.
Muikku – the delicious vendace
When I’m asked which Finnish dishes are my personal favorites, one of the first things that comes to mind is muikku. The vendace, as this silvery shimmering freshwater fish with an average length of only around 25 centimetres is called, is a familiar sight in the Finnish Lake District. I have fond memories of when, as a child, I was allowed to go fishing on the lake with the landlord of our vacation home near Mikkeli. The rich Muikku prey was then smoked freshly caught on the shore. What a delicacy!
Tip: You can find small vendace at almost every market in Finland in summer, for example at Kauppatori in Helsinki. Perhaps the tastiest muikku is served at Kalastajan Koju in Savonlinna harbor.
Kalakukko – specialty from North Savo
A particular specialty in the east of the country, especially in the North Savo region, is kalakukko. If your trip to Finland takes you to Kuopio, you should keep your eyes peeled on the market square or in the adjacent market hall. Kalakukko is fish baked in bread. In most cases, muikku/small vendace are also used. If you are now curious, I have a recipe for you.
Loimulohi – flamed salmon doesn’t just work at the Christmas market
Loimulohi, or flamed salmon, is a specialty that has become somewhat well-known in Germany. The reason for this is the numerous Finnish stalls at German Christmas markets where this culinary delight is available. Of course, flamed salmon is not only a winter dish, but in summer it is also a great pleasure to prepare this culinary delight over an open fire and then eat it together.
Siideri & Lonkero – Finland’s summer drinks
Of course, the right drinks are also a must for Finnish summer enjoyment. And that’s where “Siideri” and “Lonkero” come into play in the first row. The Finns love cider in all kinds of varieties, from apple and pear to red berries. Another perennial favorite since the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki: Lonkero, a mixed drink whose original recipe consists of gin and grapefruit lemonade. In the Little Finland range you can find the “Cool Grape” version of the cult drink, as well as a colorful selection of refreshing ciders.
Grillimakkara – the legendary Finnish grilled sausage
Last but not least, the legendary Finnish grilled sausage should not be missing from this list. What would the Finnish summer be without grillimakkara, that infamous “sausage” with a rather small proportion of sausage? Nevertheless, many Finns still love them in their classic form. However, a number of innovations have been introduced in this area in recent years, and Kivikylän Huiluntuhti, for example, has been named Finland’s best grilled sausage. You can try them now at Little Finland Hanau – for example at the big midsummer festival in Lindenstraße in Hanau-City.
Invitation: Celebrate Midsummer with Little Finland
If you are not one of the lucky ones who get to celebrate Juhannus in Finland, I have another tip for you. Just come to Lindenstraße in Hanau and join the big midsummer festival at Little Finland, which operator Annika Borisov is organizing together with the neighbouring stores. Not only can you taste the best Finnish grilled sausage there, but you can also enjoy delicacies such as kuningatar, licorice and cloudberry ice cream. Warm-smoked salmon is served and your thirst can be quenched with a cool juniper pilsner from Finland’s oldest still-active microbrewery, Lammin Sahti (tip: you can get this too here in the online store – only while stocks last!), or other drinks from Finland. For children there is a play mobile next door and from 13:30 our friends from the band UUSIKUU on stage – you shouldn’t miss it. The festival starts on 22.06.24 from 11 a.m. and there is no admission charge. Tervetuloa! (Attention: Little Finland Hanau will be closed on 29.06.24)
Text & Photos: René Schwarz
About the Author:
René Schwarz is half Finnish and grew up bilingual. The self-employed copywriter and author travels regularly in his second home country and loves to share his passion for Suomi with others. Since the beginning of 2016, he has also been doing this on his blog FinnTouch, where you can expect, among other things, numerous Finland travel tips, interviews with Finnish artists and also very personal stories. Check us out at www.finntouch.de!
