The History of Finnish Coffee Culture
The Finnish people have a long-standing relationship with coffee. Coffee was first introduced to Finland by King Gustav III of Sweden in the late eighteenth century, and from that time onwards it quickly grew into one of Finland’s most beloved beverages. During the nineteenth century, the consumption of coffee continued to increase in popularity and coffeehouses sprang up across the country. This soon became part of the everyday culture in Finland, and it remains an important part of life today.
To this day, coffee drinking is deeply entrenched in the Finnish way of life. Finns enjoy coffee for its taste, aroma, and energy-boosting properties, with many choosing to drink it both hot and cold. Finnish people are some of the most avid coffee drinkers in the world and the Finnish coffee culture reflects the nation’s appreciation for the beverage.
Typical Finnish Coffee
When it comes to coffee, Finland is known for its traditional blend known as ‘pulla’. This is a dark roasted, full-bodied coffee blend that is usually served black with a sweet pastry. It is a simple but popular choice and can be found in many cafés, restaurants, and homes across the country.
In addition to pulla, Finns also enjoy lighter blends of coffee, such as espresso and cappuccino. The rise of specialty coffee shops has also led to an increase in the popularity of single origin and handcrafted blends. These unique blends are often made from freshly roasted and carefully sourced coffee beans from countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala.
Brewing Techniques
When it comes to brewing their coffee, Finns have a wide variety of methods available. The most popular way to brew coffee is with a French Press, which is thought to provide the fullest and richest flavour. For those who prefer a lighter and sweeter brew, an Aeropress can provide an excellent cup of coffee.
Filter brewing is also popular, with many choosing to use pour-over and dripper methods, such as the V60 and the Clever Dripper. But perhaps the most popular method of all is an automatic drip brewer, as it provides an effortless way to make coffee and can be found in many homes in Finland.
Coffee Consumption
The Finnish people consume more coffee than any other nation and the amount of coffee consumed in Finland is amongst the highest in the world. In fact, it has been estimated that Finns drink around 12 kilograms of coffee per person per year – that’s almost two and a half cups every day!
Coffee is ubiquitous in Finnish society, and it is common to see people enjoy a cup of coffee almost anywhere. From work meetings to dinner parties, coffee plays a big part in how Finns interact with each other.
Instant Coffee?
The use of instant coffee is not common in Finland and it is usually seen as a last resort option. For the most part, Finnish people prefer to brew their own coffee with fresh beans and dedicated brewing methods, such as a French Press or Aeropress. For convenience, many people use espresso machines.
Ethics in Coffee Making
Ethical sourcing is becoming increasingly important for Finnish coffee drinkers. Many are beginning to recognize the need for sustainable and fair practices in the production of the coffee they consume. This has led to an increasing interest in specialty coffee and single origin beans, as well as ensuring that suppliers are fully committed to ethical practices, such as fair treatment of workers and environmental protection.
Influence of Coffee in Everyday Life
Coffee has always been intertwined with the everyday life of Finnish people. It has become such an essential part of the culture that it is often celebrated in art, music, and literature. From the paintings of Albert Edelfelt’s “The Banker’s Breakfast” to the music of Eino Leino’s “Kahvi, Kultaa ja Kunniaa”, coffee plays an important role in Finland’s culture and heritage.
Coffee and Mental Health
Not only is coffee an important beverage for the Finnish people, but it is also seen by many as a way to boost their mental health. Studies have found that moderate coffee consumption can have a positive effect on mood and can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Moreover, the ritual of coffee drinking can be an important part of self-care and mindfulness.
Coffee and Social Connections
The Finns have a long-standing tradition of enjoying coffee as a social activity. Coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants are some of the most popular places to meet, greet, and connect with people, and drinking coffee together can be an important part of conversation and socialisation.
Economy and Taxation of Coffee
The Finnish coffee industry is a major contributor to the economy, with the taxation of coffee helping to support the government and different parts of society. Taxes are paid on both imported and domestic coffee, and the revenue generated contributes to social welfare, healthcare, and education, amongst other things.
Brewing Tools
In order to brew the perfect cup of Finnish coffee, one needs the right tools. From basic equipment like filters, grinders, and kettles, to more advanced brewing tools, such as the French Press, Aeropress, and espresso machines, Finns have the necessary tools to make their coffee the way they like it.
Waste Reduction
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the need for sustainability and waste reduction in the Finnish coffee industry. This has led to growing initiatives around recycling, composting, and reusable packaging and cups. Many coffee companies are now committed to reducing their environmental impact and there are even coffee shops in Finland that serve their coffee in ceramic or glass mugs that can be returned and reused.
Conclusion
As one can see, the Finnish coffee culture is an integral part of the nation’s identity and life. It has both a long history and an ever increasing presence in the modern day. From the traditional pulla blend to cutting-edge technologies and ethical practices, Finns have found countless ways to enjoy and appreciate their beloved coffee.
