Farris (mineral water) facts for kids
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| Country | Norway |
|---|---|
| Source | Kong Olav V kilde, Larvik |
| Type | sparkling |
| Calcium (Ca) | 28 |
| Chloride (Cl) | 667 |
| Bicarbonate (HCO3) | 300 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 31 |
| Potassium (K) | 16 |
| Silica (SiO2) | 6 |
| Sodium (Na) | 455 |
| Sulfate (SO4) | 11 |
| TDS | 1400 |
| Website | http://www.farris.no |
| All concentrations in milligrams per liter (mg/L); pH without units | |
Farris is a popular brand of sparkling mineral water from Norway. It is made in Larvik and is known for being Norway's oldest and best-selling bottled water. Some people have even written about Farris having positive health effects.
Contents
The Story of Farris Water
How Farris Began (1800s)
Farris water started because "mineral cures" became very popular in Norway in the late 1800s. People would visit special health resorts called spas to drink mineral-rich water for their health.
In 1875, a doctor named Dr. J.C. Holm found a spring full of minerals near the Farriselva river. This led to the opening of Larvik Bad, a mineral spa resort, in 1880. One of the treatments there was drinking this special mineral water. Larvik Bad became very popular, hosting up to 300 guests. Even famous Norwegian author and Nobel Prize winner Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson visited!
Growing Up (1900s)
In 1907, a local company called Vestfold bryggeri started bottling the mineral water. They called it "Salus." This made it Norway's oldest brand of mineral water.
A new factory was built for bottling between 1912 and 1915. The production moved to this new building in 1915. That same year, the brand name was changed to "Farris." The factory was expanded again in 1980 and is still where Farris water is bottled today.
Farris has become a symbol of Norwegian sparkling mineral water. It is very popular in Norway, holding about 71% of the market share.
Where Farris Water Comes From
Many people think Farris water comes from Lake Farris, but that's not true! The spring and bottling factory are located at the bottom of Bøkeskogen. This is a forested hill that separates Lake Farris from the sea.
The mineral water actually starts as rainwater falling on this hill. It slowly filters through layers of rock and soil for about 15 to 20 years. This long journey makes the water rich in minerals. In 1988, a new, deeper spring was found, and this is the source of Farris water today.
Farris and Health Claims
Since the first spring was found in 1875, people have suggested it could help with various health issues. Dr. J.C. Holm recommended it for problems like gout, rheumatism, kidney stones, and catarrh. Poet Robert Herring also claimed that Farris could help remove uric acid from the body.
The Royal Connection
Farris has a special connection to the Norwegian royal family. The first spring was named Kong Haakons kilde (King Haakon's Spring) after King Haakon VII of Norway. A nearby spring was named after Queen Maud of Wales. The newer spring discovered in 1988 is named Kong Olav Vs kilde after King Olav V of Norway.
Farris used to have a "Royal Warrant," which meant they were officially allowed to supply goods to the royal family. Even now, there's an agreement that Farris water should be delivered to the king wherever he is. During World War II, when Germany occupied Norway, Farris was not allowed to use the name Kong Haakons kilde in their advertising. This was because it was seen as supporting the exiled king.
Farris Today (2000s)
Today, Ringnes breweries own the rights to the Farris brand. They produce sparkling mineral water, including different flavored versions. About 40 million liters of Farris are produced each year.
In 2001, Farris launched a new blue glass bottle. This design was so good that it won the "Honours Award for Design Excellence" from the Norwegian Design Council.
