An Introduction to the Healthy Foods of the New Nordic Diet
Wild Fish, Game, and Free-Range Lamb
As people become increasingly aware of the dangers of farm-raised beef, poultry, and pork fed huge amounts of antibiotics, it's worth exploring the delicious varieties of wild fish, elk, venison, moose, and free-range lamb that have never gone out of style in Scandinavia's unique hunting and fishing culture.
Cold Climate Vegetables
Cold climate vegetables and greens like beets, cauliflower, kale, nettles, rutabagas, cabbage, turnips, brussels sprouts, and potatoes have historically been an indispensable part of the Nordic diet. Prepared both alone as side dishes or in soups and stews in combination with token amounts of lean meat or fish, they supply important vitamins for Scandinavians challenged by a short growing season.
Native Scandinavian Berries
Lingonberries, cloudberries, blueberries, wild strawberries, elderberries, black currants ... all are rich in antioxidants, providing a strong line of defense against heart disease, various cancers, and other diseases caused by free radicals. Lingonberries are actually easy to grow in many areas of the United States, providing both wonderful fruit and a low ever-green groundcover in the garden. While cloudberries only grow happily north of the 55th parallel, they (like lingonberries) are readily available as preserves to anyone within driving distance of an IKEA.
Whole Grains
Because wheat is difficult to grow in the northern latitudes, Scandinavians have always depended primarily upon hardier grains like rye, barley, and oats to flavor their outstanding crispbreads, yeasted breads, porridges, and baked goods.
