Keittämättä

Keittämättä is a Finnish word that translates to "uncooked" or "raw" in English when referring to food. It describes ingredients or dishes that have not been subjected to heat for the purpose of cooking. This can range from raw vegetables and fruits, such as in a salad, to raw fish, as in sushi or sashimi, or even raw meat, which is less common but found in certain culinary traditions.

The term "keittämättä" is important in Finnish cuisine and food preparation discussions. It highlights the absence of cooking, which can affect taste, texture, nutritional content, and safety. Some foods are intended to be eaten keittämättä, like berries or certain root vegetables. Others, such as meat and eggs, are typically cooked to kill harmful bacteria. Understanding when a food is meant to be consumed keittämättä or when it requires cooking is a fundamental aspect of food safety and culinary practice. The word emphasizes the natural state of an ingredient before heat is applied.