Top 3 Finnish Fishes

Baltic herring (lat. Clupea harengus membras) is a subspecies of the Atlantic herring, but it is smaller and lives in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a schooling fish that feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans, and typically reaches only 5.5 to 7 inches (14 to 18 cm) in length. It is a staple food source in the Baltic region, featuring in dishes like smoked herring and salads.Expand

Puruveden muikku is the vendace of the species Coregonus albula caught in the clear waters of the Puruvesi lake basin situated in the north-eastern part of Lake Saimaa using seine nets, fyke nets, and net fishing. Pruvesi has been known as a fishing area since the 14th century and the art of locating and catching the fish has been handed down from one generation to another. Puruveden muikku has a distinctive silvery color due to the exceptional clarity of Puruvesi waters. It quite varies in size, from approximately 9 cm to 21 cm, depending on the density of vendace stocks and the levels of animal plankton production. It is marketed either fresh or frozen. Puruveden muikkuis particularly popular among consumers as a tasty fish for frying which can be eaten as a whole because its bones are so soft that deboning is completely unnecessary.Expand

Kitkan viisas is a vendace of the species Coregonus albula caught in the river basin of the Koillismaa highlands near the Arctic Circle of the northern hemisphere, where the lakes are covered by ice from October to May. This dark colored fish is small (7-9cm) and has a soft backbone due to the low levels of nutrients in the water. After the fish is caught, it is cleaned, and at least, the guts and gills are removed. It is possible to remove other parts of the fish, as well, but the original form of the vendace must remain recognizable. During long winters, the intestines of the fish are completely empty because of the enforced fast and therefore cleaning is not needed. Kitkan viisas is marketed both fresh and frozen. To enjoy this fish the Finnish way, it is best to try Juhlava Kiitämän kalakakku, a sandwich cake, or simply pan fry it. Also, there is even a simple drink made from vodka and Kitkan viisas.Expand