It is a tiny miracle that strawberries grow this far north. It is even more of a miracle that Finnish strawberries are supremely delicious, perfectly succulent and sweet.
Finns celebrate this miracle by eating as many strawberries as they can while they are in season.
They also honor strawberries by incorporating them into desserts concocted only on the most festive occasions, such as the strawberry whipped cream cake our downstairs neighbor Maija makes on her birthday, her name day, and her husband’s name day, which all take place in July and August, during and just after the peak of the all-too-brief Finnish strawberry season.
Maija’s strawberry whipped cream cake is to die for, by the way.
But strawberries are not just delicious, they are good for you, too, as I was reminded yesterday by this placard at the pop-up strawberry stand at my local grocery store.
10 Reasons to Eat Strawberries
- It improves the immune system.
- It maintains eyesight.
- It prevents cancer.
- It firms up the skin.
- It lowers cholesterol.
- It makes the joints work better.
- It lowers blood pressure.
- It improves digestion.
- It helps control weight.
- It is positively yummy.
Photo and translation by Living in FIN
Living in FIN 