Lapland is the homeland of Santa Claus. A land of legends, mystic and strange things, fabulous white forests. In addition to the flying deers in the sky you can see one of the wonders of nature - northern lights “Aurora”.
There are many things in Lapland that deserve special attention. Today I am choosing to tell you about the 7 foods and drinks that must be tasted for sure in Lapland. In our busy daily life, in the cosmopolitan cities where most of us live, the food is just a necessity for existence. We have forgotten to enjoy the food. I can even say that we have forgotten the real taste of the food, because most of the food in the supermarkets is genetically modified or full of preservatives.
Life in Lapland is different - at first sight you can notice that in this country all efforts are focused on a healthy lifestyle. Maybe this aim is a natural reaction to self-defense and survival in otherwise harsh weather and natural conditions. Half of the year in Lapland is dark for most of the day, extremely low temperatures and lack of sun, I think those are the main reasons why the local people seek salvation in healthy food.
Here is the list of the 7th foods and drinks that you have for sure to try in Lapland whether you visit this country in the summer or in the winter:
Smoked Salmon
If you think you’ve ever eaten delicious salmon, no matter how expensive it has been, I can suppose it is a delusion, unless you have eaten it in Lapland :) The taste of the salmon is amazing and it is not necessary to buy it from an expensive restaurant. It’s enough just to go to the hot food section of some supermarket where you can buy one slide of smoked salmon (it’s enough for two persons) for around 5 GBP.
Reindeer
In Lapland the animal is an essential part of Lappish cuisine. In the restaurants you can try Sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and fresh lingonberries or lingonberry jam is the most classic dish. The cheapest option to try meat of reindeer is if you buy flat sausage or jerky with reindeer meat from a supermarket.
Sea-buckthorn jam
A definite must eat on any trip to Lapland is the Sea-buckthorn jam which is very popular in this region and almost unknown for the rest of Europe. You can try the jam in a traditional way with pancakes or to try the local dessert known as “bread cheese” (“leipäjuusto”), a type of soft cheese fried after initial preparation. It is served with fresh Sea-buckthorn jam. Some call it squeaky cheese due to the sound it makes when chewed.
Sea-buckthorn tea
As you already know sea-buckthorn, which in Finland is known as “tyrni”, is widespread and used in Lapland. For sure you have to try the sea-buckthorn tea which is so aromatic and tasty. Except in the food industry this plant is used in the cosmetics industries, and in traditional medicine. For all ladies I would say - bear in mind that in Lapland you can find face and body cream with sea-buckthorn extract in every shop.
Tea of dry pine needles
Talking about tea,definitely you have to try the tea of dry pine needles. It is extremely aromatic and has a stimulant effect in the morning.
Freshly squeezed juice of orange and ginger
Because of the low sub-zero temperatures and freezy winter days, the ginger is widespread and used in Lapland. With its warming effect this drink that you can buy from a supermarket and it’s an amazing natural method to overcome the cold weather.
Ginger candies
With different varieties - for chewing or sucking - the ginger candies can be found in every shop and they are an amazing option to protect your throat from harsh weather and ice-kissed wind.