According to a recent study, food culture in Kainuu developed at a slightly slower pace than the Finnish average. However, by the end of the 1990s, it was no longer possible to speak of a starvation country.
The image of Kainuu as a starving country is strong. However, this image had been abandoned in Kainuu’s food culture by the end of the 1990s, according to a newly reviewed doctoral thesis at the University of Eastern Finland.
– The photographs revealed that food culture in Kainuu developed at a slightly slower pace than the average in Finland. They also revealed that there were already novelties after the wars, although it is thought that Kainuu was then living in a traditional rural culture. In the 1950s, people already knew how to celebrate.
However, the previously scarce conditions of the population had created a deep appreciation for food. This was still evident in the late 20th century, particularly through the soothing, inexpensive and filling food at mealtimes.
At the end of the 20th century, a special feature of Kainuu’s food culture was the high appreciation of bread. The consumption of natural products, such as berries and game, was surprisingly small in terms of the whole. This is unexpected for the reason that Kainuu’s food tradition and Kainuu have largely been emphasized as a province of natural products.
In Kainuu, a lot of dairy products were used, a lot of coffee was drunk, and different types of coffee bread were consumed more than in the country in general.
– The closer one lived to the city, the more there was modern consumption that referred to urban culture. There were cafes in Kajaani and there were a couple of photos of Meijer’s bar. When going to the remote area, there were more descriptions related to farming, says Komulainen.
*The subject can be discussed until 11 pm on November 14.*