Facts About Finnish bread
In Finland, bread is more than just a side dish; it’s a cultural cornerstone, making an appearance at nearly every meal. Rye bread, known locally as "Ruisleipä" is the most popular variety. This dark, sour bread is quite different from its Swedish counterpart, which tends to be sweeter and sometimes includes spices like caraway. Some traditional Finnish rye breads you might encounter are "Limppu" "Reikäleipä" "Ruispala" and "Jälkiuunileipä." Another favorite is crispbread, or "näkkileipä" which is a staple in many Finnish households.
Historically, wheat was less common than rye or barley in Finland, so wheat bread is not as prevalent. However, for pastries, scones, and other baked goods, wheat flour is frequently used. One intriguing type of wheat bread is "Vesirinkeli" which resembles a bagel. Beyond that, Finland offers a delightful variety of breads, including oat bread, potato bread, Christmas bread, "Korppu" (a type of rusk), and "Rieska" a flat, unleavened bread.
For sweet treats, "Pulla" is a cherished sweet bread flavored with cardamom, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee. A variation on this is "Korvapuusti" filled with cinnamon and sugar. There's also "Sokerikorppu" a sweetened version of the traditional "Korppu" topped with sugar and cinnamon.