Swedish cuisine

Swedish cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world. Dishes made from local and natural products contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Swedes make sure that each of their meals contains the right amount of valuable ingredients.

Swedish cuisine created its traditional dishes relatively recently. Initially, it was heavily influenced by European and Middle Eastern countries. Central European and even Turkish cuisine played a large role in its formation. Another factor that had a big impact on Swedish cuisine was the country’s location. Proximity to the sea means proximity to a rich source of fish, which is a staple of Scandinavian cuisine. Herring is particularly popular in Sweden, consumed in all forms. Its location in the far north caused long winters, during which residents had no access to fresh food. This forced them to invent ways to store fish, vegetables and fruits. Today, for example, fish is still available in every possible form: dried, pickled, smoked.

Swedish cuisine – traditional dishes

In addition to fish, which is eaten really often, Swedish cuisine also has no shortage of meat and vegetable dishes. One of the most traditional meat dishes is Köttbullar, or meatballs. Not much bigger than a walnut, they are made from pork. Marinated or smoked salmon with vegetables is also very popular. Surströmming is pickled herring. This dish is peculiar to Sweden and probably only they can eat it. Herring fishing takes place in April and May. Even then, the fresh fish undergoes the pickling process in cans so that it is ready for June 24, the holiday that welcomes summer. Pickled herring is the main dish of this day, and its consumption is associated with a long-standing tradition. Unfortunately, the smell of this fish often discourages travelers from trying it. Swedish cuisine is also known for its thick and filling fish soups. These are ideal for warming up in winter. In the north of the country, where there are reindeer farms, the meat of these animals, also forms the basis of many dishes. Renskav are elongated pieces of reindeer meat dried or frozen, which are then fried in a pan. Swedes, perhaps sometimes surprisingly, drink a great deal of milk. Almost with every meal even dinner, and not just children. It is best when it is chilled. They are also the nation that consumes the most coffee. Historically, sugar was extremely expensive and scarcely available in Sweden, so it became a sign of prosperity. Because of this, Swedes were able to sweeten everything and in large quantities. Today they have departed somewhat from this custom, although many dishes in Sweden can still seem heavily sweetened. During lavish parties, Swedes usually drink vodka or beer. Just as beer is readily available, the sale of stronger spirits is subject to many restrictions. They can only be purchased in designated stores. Kanelbulls are traditional yeasty buns with cinnamon sprinkled with sugar. Swedes have many sweet baked goods and cakes filled with marzipan cream. They also enjoy a variety of tarts both sweet and savory.