If the Swedish Crayfish Party is all French to you, then perhaps it is time to hit the books and read about it. This is perhaps the messiest and most exciting celebration in Sweden, spent under the clear skies of August with a bowlful of mouthwatering crayfish and a wheel of Vasterbotten cheese.
Crayfish Party in the Past
Since the 16th century, the Swedes have been eating crayfish. For quite some time, only the noble and aristocracy partook of these delicacies as Swedes believed then that shellfish was common. Crayfish meat was used to make sausage, ragout, patties, and even puddings.
During the mid-19th century, people began to eat crayfish the way they are eaten today. The crayfish parties in August became a tradition to the middle classes. In the 20th century, crayfish became the country’s delicacy and everyone started to celebrate. The crayfish feast is a Swedish festival where people gather outdoors to eat, drink, and enjoy Vasterbotten cheese and celebrate the end of summer.
Crayfish Party Now
During the early 20th century, the Swedish government issued restrictions for river crayfishing to discourage over fishing. Crayfishing was only allowed to a couple of months from August. That inspired the crayfish feast, turning crayfish into Sweden’s most sought-after delicacy.
Today imported crayfish are on sale all throughout the year, but only a few Swedes are open to the idea of abandoning the summer tradition. U.S. and Chinese crayfish are deemed the best, but nothing beats the taste of Swedish crayfish. But regardless of origin, Swedish crayfish is cooked just the way Swedes like them – in a brine, with lots of crown dill.
Crayfish Party Needs
If you want to host your own crayfish party, say in your own apartment up 6th avenue, here are the things that you will need:
Crayfish (of course) – you can buy frozen crayfish from any local store or from the internet. You can also get crayfish from several supplies store that will ship it to your home.
Dill – adding tons of fresh dill releases that mouthwatering crayfish flavor. You can buy dill in any supermarket near you.
Vasterbotten Cheese – the salty taste of crayfish is great with the full flavor of Vasterbotten cheese.A natural ingredient for most Swedish cuisines, Vasterbotten cheese will definitely turn your crayfish party the real, Swede way!
This is where it gets tricky; Vasterbotten cheese is hard to find and only a few specialty cheese shops sell real, Swedish Vasterbotten. Check if the cheese shop you buy Vasterbotten cheese from is credible and truly sells the best cheeses in the world.
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