The Coffee Kits

A Brief History of Finland Coffee Culture

Finland is a country that is known for its love of coffee. In fact, Finland has been named the world's biggest coffee consumer per capita, with an average of 12 kilograms of coffee consumed per person per year. The love of coffee in Finland has a long history that dates back to the early 18th century when coffee first arrived in the country.

The Arrival of Coffee in Finland

The first record of coffee being consumed in Finland dates back to 1714 when a shipment of coffee was sent to the country by the Swedish king. At the time, coffee was considered a luxury item and was only consumed by the wealthy. However, over time, coffee became more accessible and began to be consumed by people of all social classes.

The Rise of Kaffeost

One of the unique aspects of Finland's coffee culture is the tradition of kaffeost, which translates to "coffee cheese." Kaffeost is a type of cheese that is traditionally served with coffee. The cheese is made from reindeer milk and is often flavored with herbs and spices. The tradition of kaffeost dates back to the time when coffee was first introduced to Finland. At the time, coffee was expensive, and people would often stretch their supply by only drinking small amounts and pairing it with something filling like cheese.

The Importance of Coffee Breaks

In Finland, coffee breaks are an important part of the workday. It is common for workers to take several coffee breaks throughout the day, and it is often seen as a way to socialize and connect with colleagues. In fact, many companies in Finland have dedicated coffee rooms where employees can take breaks and enjoy a cup of coffee together.

The Future of Finnish Coffee Culture

Despite the long history of coffee in Finland, the country's coffee culture continues to evolve. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in specialty coffee, and many new coffee shops have opened up in cities like Helsinki. Additionally, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Finnish coffee culture, and many people are exploring the country's coffee traditions and experimenting with new ways to enjoy coffee.

Conclusion

Finland's love of coffee is a unique and fascinating aspect of the country's culture. From the early days of coffee's arrival to the rise of kaffeost and the importance of coffee breaks, coffee has played an important role in Finnish life. As the country's coffee culture continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what new traditions and innovations emerge.