We are virtually snowed in here in Helsinki Finland,when my wife received a phone call this morning saying that our shipment of poronliha,Reindeer meat had arrived and that they were free to deliver it any time.This was great news,as the Reindeer season is finished and we were fortunate enough to still get our hands on some.We ordered 30 kilos,which should last the two of us for 3-4 months.Your probably wondering what the big deal is about Reindeer from Lapland,Finland!Well here is some information
Lapland,Saami Reindeer
For the Saami people of Lapland,Reindeer has been a way of life for thousands of years.It has even shaped the Saami way of life.Reindeer herding and farming is the still today the main source of income for Saamelaisperheiden(Saami families).The Reindeer husbandry are covers approximately 115,000Km sq which equates to 36% of the entire surface area of Finland.Of this four fifths lies with in The Province of Lapland.Traditionally Saami herdsmen dwell ed in the wide open pastures and plains of Lapland with there herds of Reindeer.This has evolved with the introduction of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.A new century has even seen some herdsmen making us of helicopters,as Reindeer are prone to roam vast distances.But many of the methods of work remain the same today as they were thousands of years ago.
Reindeer and the Spring calving
Reindeer give birth to their calves in springtime andm the average weight of each calf is approximately 5-6 Kilos.Even though the calves are fully developed they are dependant on their mothers for milk.The calves(Vasa) are usually on their own feet with in half an hour after birth.From birth and for the following summer and autumn the calves will be seen running with their mothers.The mothers are able to identify their calves by their calls.The herdsmen mark the calves from May to July.Reindeer rut(rykimä) between the months of October and November.Reindeer will eat grasses,shoots,twigs and mushrooms through the summer time,changing to a diet of lichen in the Winter.However when the snow compacts and the ground becomes to hard to clear,the Reindeer will eat tree branches.It is common to see the deer lose a significant amount of weight.The Reindeer can commonly be found in the forests in Winter time.This affords them protection.In Summer they tend to migrate to higher ground where they can escape the mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Reindeer mas a Delicious Meat
Reindeer has its own distinct taste.Some people may like it others will notIf you do get chance to savour this meat,my recommendations are to serve it with it with fresh wild berries or mushrooms.I find the taste more than agreeable.At the time of eating you can almost smell the fresh air and lichen that the Reindeer lived amongst for its entire life.Below is listed a favourite recipe of mine that was handed to me by an acquaintance from Lapland and a Saami Reindeer farmer from birth:
Reindeer Stew;
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound reindeer meat cubed
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 cups carrots sliced
- 2 1/2 cups potatoes cubed
- 3 1/2 cups beef stock
Flour meat and brown in hot oil. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat cover simmer one to one and a quarter hours or until tender. Add vegetables. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Skim fat. Makes four servings.
Served with fresh berries and mashed potatoes,this is superb.
So in Helsinki this Christmas in Helsinki,I shall be digging in to a Reindeer meat Christmas Day Dinner,cooked in traditional Saami way followed by a Finnish Liquor and mints.This British Expatriate will be eating it for the next few months and then some
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Sounds good, but also a little morbid around the Christmas season…
Rob´s last blog ..December Sun #4 – Page 17