Mehukkuuteen

Mehukkuuteen is a Finnish term that broadly refers to the act of juicing or making juice. It encompasses the process of extracting liquid from fruits, vegetables, or berries, typically for consumption. This can be achieved through various methods, including manual pressing, mechanical juicers, or even by simmering and straining ingredients. The resulting juice can be consumed fresh, or it can be preserved through methods like pasteurization or fermentation.

Historically, making juice from foraged berries and fruits was a common practice in Finland, especially for preserving seasonal produce for consumption during the winter months. This traditional method often involved boiling fruits with sugar to create jams and cordials, which are closely related to the concept of mehukkuuteen. Modern mehukkuuteen, however, often involves more sophisticated juicing appliances that can extract juice from a wider range of ingredients with greater efficiency.

The term can also extend to the creation of specific types of beverages. For example, 'mehu' specifically refers to juice, while 'mehukeitto' is a type of fruit soup, often made by cooking berries and thickening the liquid. Therefore, mehukkuuteen is not just about the mechanical act of juicing but also about the culinary tradition of transforming raw produce into palatable and often nutritious drinks.