Wild Strawberries – A Tiny Summer Treasure in Finland

In the heart of Finnish summer, a small but intensely flavorful berry makes a quiet appearance in the wild: the wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca). Unlike its larger, cultivated cousin, the wild strawberry grows naturally in Finnish forests, meadows, and even along roadside verges. You don’t need to venture far into the wilderness to spot these tiny red gems—they often surprise passersby with their sweet scent and bright color peeking out from the undergrowth.

Wild strawberries are much smaller than cultivated ones, often no bigger than a fingernail, but they pack a surprisingly rich and aromatic flavor. While the flowers and leaves resemble those of regular strawberries, they are more delicate in size and appearance. The berries usually ripen around midsummer, making them one of the seasonal highlights of a Finnish summer.

How Finns Enjoy Wild Strawberries

For many Finns, the wild strawberry is a cherished piece of summer nostalgia. Children and even adults love to thread the berries onto a single stalk of dry grass, creating a playful and edible “berry string” to snack on. Others prefer to enjoy the berries straight from the ground, popping them into their mouths one by one during a walk in the woods or a sunny roadside stroll.

Because wild strawberries are scattered and grow in small numbers, they are rarely picked in large enough quantities to use in baking or cooking. Instead, they’re savored fresh, on the spot, just as nature intended.

A Simple Finnish Summer Treat

If you do manage to gather a small handful, wild strawberries can be combined with bilberries—another popular Finnish forest berry—for a classic summer treat. Pour some cold milk or plant-based milk over the berries in a bowl, and you’ve created a delightful Finnish summer drink that’s both refreshing and suitable for the whole family.

Can’t Find Them? Try the Moomin Soda!

If you’re visiting Finland outside the wild strawberry season—or just can’t find any during your stay—there’s still a fun way to try the flavor. Look for the red Moomin soda, a beloved Finnish soft drink that captures the essence of wild strawberries. It’s widely available in grocery stores across the country and especially popular with children (though adults love it too).

Read next

These are 8 delicious berries that Finns pop into their mouths in the wild, and you can do the same

Wild berries of the north are real superfood

Finnish Bilberry Pie – A Traditional Nordic Dessert You Need to Try

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