The Finnish Staple Food

The potato’s culinary versatility and nutritional benefits contribute to its notable role as a cornerstone of Finnish cuisine.

It is a fundamental ingredient in various traditional Finnish dishes and has been integrated into the daily meals of many Finnish households. The versatility of the potato allows it to be enjoyed in numerous ways, whether mashed, boiled, baked, or fried. It is often served as a side dish alongside meat or fish, contributing to a well-balanced Finnish meal. Furthermore, the potato’s nutritional value, being a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, makes it an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet in Finland.

Potato Planting and Harvesting

Potato planting and harvesting in Finland typically follow a seasonal cycle.
Planting usually takes place in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up sufficiently, usually around May or June. Farmers carefully prepare and plant the seed potatoes, ensuring proper spacing and depth for optimal growth. The potatoes are then nurtured throughout the summer, benefiting from the long daylight hours and moderate temperatures.
Harvesting usually occurs in late summer or early autumn, around September or October, when the potato plants have reached maturity and the tubers have developed fully. At this time, farmers carefully dig up the potatoes from the ground, either by hand or using machinery.

Once harvested, the potatoes are cleaned, sorted, and prepared for distribution, ensuring that they are ready to be enjoyed as a staple food in Finnish cuisine.

New harvest potatoes in Finland, also known as “new potatoes,” means that they are young and freshly dug up from the ground. They are prized for their delicate, creamy texture and sweet flavor compared to regular potatoes, making them a seasonal delicacy enjoyed by many during the summer months. It is best paired with “silli” or pickled herring for a savory taste. Indeed there is a difference between the “new potatoes” and the normal potatoes which myself had not known before until the day I ate it for the first time.

Potato