Peruna

Peruna is the Finnish term for the potato, the starchy tuber of Solanum tuberosum. Potatoes are a globally important food crop, first domesticated in the Andes and introduced to Europe in the 16th century. They spread to northern and temperate regions, where they became staple foods due to their yield, storage stability, and nutritional value.

In Finnish cuisine, peruna has long been a staple and is used in many dishes, such as mashed potatoes (perunamuusi), boiled potatoes, potato-based casseroles, and potato pancakes.

In Finland, potato cultivation focuses on cool-climate adaptability. The crop is planted in spring and harvested in late summer or autumn, then stored in cool, dark, and well-ventilated conditions. Farmers use crop rotation and disease management to mitigate issues such as potato blight. The country produces many varieties for fresh consumption and industrial processing.

Nutritionally, a raw potato provides mainly carbohydrates and a modest amount of protein, with vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals like potassium. The skin contributes dietary fiber. Preparation methods affect nutrition and calories; boiling and baking retain nutrients better than high-fat frying.

Etymology: The word peruna is the Finnish name for the potato; its exact linguistic origins are uncertain, and the term appears in Finnish usage from the 18th century onward.