How Norway's Food Culture Contributes to Its Healthy Lifestyle
Norway has achieved a standard of health that the rest of the world would emulate. It ranks as one of the top countries in terms of life expectancy and quality of life.
In addition to its favorable living conditions, Norway's diet contributes to its healthy lifestyle. Read on to learn more about Norway's food culture and how it impacts their health.
Norway's Food Culture
Norwegian cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's climate and its long coastline. The average temperature in Norway is about 13-18 degree Celsius (57-65 F) during the summer months and around two degrees Celsius (27 F) during the winter. Norwegians rely on hearty, warm foods for most of their meals.
Because of its cold climate and long winters, Norway has an abundance of fresh fish and seafood. They use this climate to preserve their food and make it last longer. Even their flatbread (lefse) was originally made to last for months in their pantries.
A Typical Norweigan Breakfast
Coffee is a must in a Norwegian breakfast, and it is often accompanied by a sweet bun with cheese, butter or jam. Norwegians enjoy their morning cup of joe in various ways: black, with cream and sugar, or as an espresso shot.
Sometimes this meal consists of meat and fish like salmon and pickled herring. Eggs are not a staple breakfast for many Norwegians.
Their Love for Cheese
Norwegians love their cheese. This is why you will often find many types of cheeses on the breakfast table and some in your lunch or dinner as well. One of the most popular cheeses is called brunost.
Brunost is a brown-colored cheese made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or both. It has a caramel-like flavor and can be eaten on its own or served with bread.
Fish and Seafood
Salmon is often served with bread and cheese for breakfast. It's not uncommon to find fish and seafood on the breakfast table as well, especially if you live near the coast.
Norway rests on a long coastline that is abundant in fish and seafood. Norwegians love their salmon and cod as well as many other types of seafood. They are also very fond of caviar and often serve it with bread or crackers and cheese.
The Abundance of Sweet Berries
The cold weather makes their berries very sweet and delicious. The Norwegians are fond of eating berries at any time of day, but they especially love them for breakfast. They eat them alone or serve them with cream or yogurt.
One of the most expensive and popular berries in Norway is cloudberry. It can only be found in the wild and is heavily guarded by locals.
Waffles and Cakes
Even the healthiest people eat cakes! The Norwegians are no exception.
Their waffles are sure to make you happy t. It's thicker and richer than American waffles and is served with whipped cream, jam, or ice cream. Norwegian cakes are also popular.
Their national cake is called Kvæfjordkake, the world's best cake. It is made up of sponge cake, meringue, and vanilla cream, a delicious combination that will make your mouth water.
Conclusion
It's no surprise that Norway is known for its healthy lifestyle. Their diet, which is high in fish and vegetables, contributes to their longevity and quality of life. With all of the benefits that this lifestyle provides, it's no wonder why Norway has a longer average life expectancy than most other countries in the world.
If you want to try Norwegian baked goods and experience the flavors of Norway, Ana's Norwegian Bakeri is the perfect place to start. Our baked goods are made with high-quality ingredients, and we take pride in providing our customers with fresh, delicious products.