Livonian cuisine facts for kids
Livonian cuisine is the traditional food of the Livonians, a group of people living near the coast in Livonia. Their food uses many local ingredients found in their area. Since Livonians live by the sea, fish has always been a very important part of their meals.
They enjoy many types of fish. The European flounder is a favorite. They also eat a lot of herring, especially salted herring, and cod. These fish dishes show how much the sea has shaped their daily lives and food traditions.
What are Livonian Pastries?
Livonian cuisine also includes unique pastries. One very famous pastry is called sklandrausis (pronounced sklan-drow-sis). This special vegetable pastry comes from the Courland region, where many Livonians live.
Sklandrausis: A Special Treat
The sklandrausis pastry is so unique that the European Commission gave it a special award in 2013. This award, called "Traditional Speciality Guaranteed," means it's a traditional food with a protected recipe.
Sklandrausis pastries are round and have a yellowish-orange color, like a carrot. Because of their shape and color, they are seen as a symbol of the sun. Livonians often eat sklandrausis during spring celebrations, like the spring equinox. It represents the warm energy of the sun on their tables.
