PRESS RELEASE:
10.12.2009
Beer is the ideal companion to Finnish Christmas dinner
Beer is the ideal companion to many Finnish Christmas dishes. Christmas dinner will usually offer ham, vegetable casseroles, and fish prepared in a wide variety of ways. Beer will be a sure fire hit, especially with the fish, but also throughout the rest of the meal.
Finding the perfect beverage to accompany many Finnish Christmas dishes is challenging, but a crisp, refreshing beer complements the flavours of pickled and spiced herring, roe and gravlax. Many top chefs know that beer is an excellent choice when facing the challenging taste combinations of a fish buffet. Beer is also the ideal companion to the Christmas ham and vegetable casseroles.
You can also choose from a range of Christmas beers that complement the season. A pale lager will always be a hit, but if you prefer a thicker, spicier beer, these can be served with the ham or after the meal.
Beer and kotikalja (“home-made beer”, its practically alcohol-free cousin) are traditional Christmas drinks. According to Taloustutkimus’s latest survey on Christmas food, Finns mentioned kotikalja as the number-one traditional Christmas drink. Milk came second and beer third.
Many people also found beer to be the best sauna drink on Christmas. Over 30 per cent of respondents would serve beer at Christmas dinner either with the fish, the ham or both, or then as a social beverage. Almost half of all respondents said that namely domestic beer should be part of Christmas dinner.
Beer is the mildest alcoholic beverage
In terms of alcohol content, beer is the mildest beverage and therefore lower in calories than stronger alcoholic drinks – something to remember when surrounded by all those Christmas delicacies. Beer is not fattening when enjoyed in moderation. Studies also show that beer has several health-promoting effects, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Beer also contains many vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, its favourable effects are only achieved through moderate consumption and are reversed as consumption levels increase.
Increased knowledge and choice
In recent years, Finns have become more knowledgeable about beer. A wide variety of food magazines are already writing about beer and regularly publish beer reviews. An extensive range of beers can now be found in stores and bars, offering something for everyone.
Many people prefer traditional lager, which is the ideal accompaniment to many dishes and an unbeatable sauna drink. Lager is always a winner – but occasionally it’s also worth teasing your taste buds with some new brews.
Additional information:
Communications Manager Katri Tuulensuu, tel. +358 (0)9 1488 7601, GSM +358 (0)40 777 1938
Sources:
Christmas Food Survey 2009, Taloustutkimus
The Effects of Moderate Beer Consumption, 4th Edition, Brewers of Europe 2008
The Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry promotes the interests of producers of beer, cider, long drinks, soft drinks and mineral waters in Finland. Its members are Oy Hartwall Ab, Nokian Panimo Oy, Olvi Oyj and Oy Sinebrychoff Ab. The Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry operates in connection with the Finnish Food and Drink Industries Federation and is among the four largest industries in the food and drink branch in terms of the value of production.
