THE FINNISH DIET combines traditional country fare with modern Continental-style cooking and, in common with other Nordic countries, is highly seasonal.
The nation's eating habits have changed in recent years, with a growing awareness of healthy eating among consumers in the European Union. Today, Finns generally favour a light, healthy diet. Even vegetarianism is taking root in this land of hearty eating.
Another trend is the rising demand for organically grown food. All this represents a break from tradition, as Finland has long projected a famously carnivorous food culture.
Consumption patterns used to be heavily biased towards red meats and carbohydrates in the form of beef, pork, bread and potatoes.
But, in a sign of the times, the humble Finnish sausage is being adapted to meet health standards. Although the sausage tastes more meaty than ever, its animal fat content is being replaced by vegetable fats along with healthy ingredients such as pine bark flour.
As in most countries, the place to get an authentic idea of the nation's eating habits is the local market, preferably the town square market set up once a week.