The best offerings of Finnish nature are showcased to millions of viewers on BBC. Chef Sami Tallberg presents delicacies found in Finnish nature in the latest episode of BBC's World's Table series. Tallberg, a renowned wild food chef residing in Turku's Ruissalo, works on various projects and restaurants in the Turku area.
“Wild food is the most ethical and ecological food there is. Additionally, the most inspiring ingredients for cooking can be found in nature," says Tallberg.
The World's Table series on BBC's website features food and recipes from around the world and different cultures. The series comprises several short episodes on various themes. The episode featuring Tallberg lasts just over five minutes and revolves around Finnish everyman's rights. In the episode, Tallberg is seen not only gathering ingredients from nature but also preparing a meal from them at the Söderlångvik Manor restaurant on Kemiönsaari Island. Tallberg operated the restaurant at the manor last summer.
"The episode presents a three-course menu where wild food is used in the appetizer, main course, and dessert. One of the dishes includes a slice of archipelago bread topped with matsutake and black chanterelle mushrooms. These are such high-quality ingredients that the bread could just as well have lobster and truffle!"
Tallberg, who has resided in Ruissalo for just over four years, is a visionary, head chef, and author of culinary books dedicated to wild food. "Ruissalo has an incredible variety of mushrooms, and there's always something new to discover! Additionally, right next door is the vibrant Turku food scene. I'm not leaving Turku anytime soon," promises Tallberg.
Tallberg has previously garnered international attention, such as when he operated a restaurant at Finnish Design Shop in the Turku area. This combination of design and food was noted in many international publications, and Tallberg believes this partly led him to the BBC series.
Tallberg has worked around the world and organized wild food events in approximately 20 countries. He has also published ten cookbooks in four different languages. Tallberg's most popular works, Wild Herb Cookbook and Wild Mushroom Cookbook, have recently been translated into English and Swedish. The book pair introduces over 200 species of edible wild plants and mushrooms.
Tallberg considers the visibility brought to Finland by the BBC series very important. "I trust that this is another step forward in making Finland better known as an attractive food tourism destination and country. We have a pristine nature with an incredible variety of world-class ingredients. We should be truly proud of this and emphasize it even more. It's an incredible asset for us!"
Watch the episode here: Into the wild: 'Everyman's right' to forage in Finland - BBC Reel
For more information:
Sami Tallberg
Visit Turku Archipelago (VTA) is a tourism company jointly established by the cities of Turku, Naantali, and Pargas. VTA leads regional marketing, sales, and development in tourism, with its primary goal being the growth and development of the region's tourism industry. Key partners include businesses operating in the Turku region and archipelago
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