Läckö Kinnekulle 2021 - english/german

F O O D T R A D I T I O N S IN SWEDEN WE CELEBRATE several festive occasions during the year where food plays a central role. At Christmas (Jul) we eat mustard-crusted ham, meatballs, beetroot salad, pickled herring and Janssons Frestelse (a gratin dish of shredded potato, anchovies, onion and cream). And to drink we have julmust (a special Christmas soft drink), Christmas beer and schnapps. Toffee, caramel, saffron buns and gingerbread biscuits are served for dessert. On Christmas Eve, rice porridge (risgrynsgröt) is eaten, and a bowl is put outside on the steps as an offering for the household tomte, who may otherwise get angry and cause mischief. When Easter (Påsk) comes around and the nights get lighter, Swedish children paint eggs to decorate the table for Easter lunch. Alongside Easter eggs, we like to eat cured or smoked salmon and other meat and fish dishes. The preferred soft drink is once again must, now known as påskmust. WHEN SUMMER DAYS are at their longest, we celebrate Midsummer, an ancient pagan tradition that lives on today. Meatballs, herring, Janssons Frestelse and schnapps are once again on the menu, together with gubbröra (a hash made of chopped egg, anchovies, onion, dill and radishes) and Swedish herring cake. Later in the summer it’s time for the start of surströmming season – an event that splits the Swedish population firmly down the middle: those who love surströmming and those who hate it. This fermented fish delicacy remains part of our food culture from the days when it was difficult to preserve food, but the pungent smell can overwhelm even the most stoic of Vikings – so many consume their beloved surströmming while holding their nose. Once crayfish season gets under way in Swedish rivers in August, Swedes enjoy freshly caught crayfish accompanied by canapés topped with fish roe, cheese tart, bread and salad. Discovering Swedish food traditions Photo: Linnéa Gustafsson Raggmunk Pancakes made of grated potato, served with pork and lingonberry jam. Pork with stewed brown beans A classic Swedish dish originating from the old peasant farming community. Pea soup To be eaten on Thursdays, according to tradition. If you’re lucky, it will be fol- lowed by pancakes with jam and cream. Falukorv A children’s favourite, which takes its name from the town of Falun, where the local copper mining industry used ox hide to make rope, and meat from the oxen was turned into sausages (falukorv). Some typical Swedish dishes Swedish crayfish party in Kinnekulle Great Quarry. 16 • www.lackokinnekulle.se