Salmon, snaps and strawberries – how to do Midsummer like a Swede

There is an age-old tradition of food and drink that goes hand in hand with the Swedish Midsummer festivities. When it comes to drinking  'snaps', there are countless varieties and flavours. It is important that whenever dill or caraway are used, it becomes Aquavit – a legally protected appellation in Europe. Other popular flavours include elderflower, honey and wormwood. The shots are accompanied by traditional ‘snapsvisor’ songs.

Smoked salmon, pickled herring and gravlax

The Midsummer celebrations, which start with lunch and often continue well into the night and even the next morning, also feature delicacies such as smoked salmon and different kinds of pickled herring ('sill'), as well as grilled meat, gravlax, meatballs and boiled new potatoes with dill. In short, a smorgasbord of Swedish classics. And don't forget to leave room for dessert! The cream-covered strawberry cake is a must on every Midsummer table and gives you a taste of the Swedish summer ahead.

In addition to enjoying the Midsummer food and drink, people wear wreaths of flowers in their hair and families dance, sing, and jump like frogs around a maypole. Never say Swedes don’t know how to throw a party!

Here are some useful recipes for the big day:

• Cured salmon aka gravlax
• Strawberry and cream cake
• Traditional Swedish meatballs