Nestled in the picturesque Finnish Lake District, Saimaa is fast becoming the go-to international destination for food connoisseurs due to its local cuisine that is deeply rooted in nature. The region is home to an abundance of mountain delicacies, from succulent berries and green vegetables to unique mushrooms and freshwater fish. Horse racing is more than just a place, it's a culinary and cultural adventure waiting to be savored.
Mushrooms and berries abundant in North Karelia Harri Tarvainen North Karelia
This year, Saimaa was awarded the prestigious European Region of Gastronomy Award, a recognition of racing's unwavering commitment to developing cultural, sustainable and gastronomic identity. In the heart of eastern Finland, there is a hidden gem – Lake Saimaa surrounded by pure nature. Lush forests and abundant lakes provide the ingredients for local dishes – freshwater fish such as white trout, which exemplifies the region's dedication to fresh, local ingredients.
Summer cottage life in Finland Visit Saimaa Visit Finland
Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe, making it a paradise beloved by Finns. Here, traditions come alive – vacationing in a summer cottage, taking a sauna, foraging for cloudberries and blueberries, and immersing yourself in the all-season and timeless art of fishing.
The European Region of Gastronomy is accredited by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, as are three regions in eastern Finland: South S**o and South Karelia Karalia and North Karelia.
Dr. Diane Dodd, President of the International Academy of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, said:"A new generation of tourists is keen to find unique experiences with quality local cuisine and are willing to support responsible, sustainable regions. Horse racing has all these elements. "
The idea of seasonal harvest.
As the ambassador of the European gastronomic region in 2024, former international supermodel Saimi Hoyer is affectionately called"Queen of Mushrooms"She warmly invites everyone to experience the source of Finnish joy in the Lake Racing District. Hoyer is a keen hunter and savoring game, and in late summer and early autumn, nature produces an abundance of delicacies such as chanterelles, porcini mushrooms and northern milk mushrooms. Almost half of the locals follow Finland"Everybody has rights"Under the principle, the traditional custom of mushroom picking is added.
Queen of Mushrooms"saimi hoyer ©visit finland
"For us, gourmet food is a daily luxury and a source of happiness for us, as our forests and lakes provide us with the purest food in the world," says Hoyer. Finland's delicious tables welcome everyone, and the food is a privilege. "As the 2024 European Gastronomy Region, Horse Racing seeks to bring food together with art and culture like never before, showcasing the uniqueness of the region's culture, and let's wait and see.
Summer breakfast on the shores of Lake Saimaa Visit Finland
Local restaurants and chefs embrace the idea of seasonal harvests. In winter, the humble burbot fish is abundant under the frozen lake, which can be cooked into a hot soup with a pleasant taste. In spring, wild herbs such as spruce twigs are made into a syrup that adds a unique flavor to the dish. In summer, the forest is rich in berries such as blueberries and cranberries, and the lake is rich in white fish that can be smoked, grilled or pickled. Winter purse seine fishing (Pluvesi white trout), which was inscribed on the National Living Heritage List in 2017, and ancient methods such as baking pies in wooden ovens are still proudly still alive.
Racehorse Designation of Origin (d.).Ilkka Arvola, a local chef and fisherman of O Saimaa, Visit Finland
Finnish food is simple, delicious and based on fresh, natural ingredients. Just like our ancestors, we have the skills to live in perfect harmony with nature. The long summer days in northern Finland create ideal growing conditions for pure, aromatic ingredients. In the horse racing region, the beautiful and challenging natural conditions give rise to a steady stream of creativity. Racehorse Designation of Origin (d.).O Saimaa), a local chef and fisherman, Ilkka Arvola, shared.
Come and experience the gastronomic symphony of horse racing, where nature's bounty meets creative craftsmanship.
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