Taperille

Taperille is a Finnish word that can refer to several things, primarily a type of traditional Finnish pastry and a colloquial term for a specific type of wood fuel.

As a pastry, taperille is a sweet, oven-baked treat often made with rye flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon or cardamom. It typically has a somewhat dense and crumbly texture. Recipes can vary, with some including eggs or other enrichments. Taperille are often enjoyed as a coffee accompaniment or a simple dessert.

In a different context, taperille can also refer to small, split pieces of wood, often resinous pine or spruce, used for kindling. These are prepared by splitting larger logs into smaller, thin strips that catch fire easily. This usage is common in rural or traditional settings where wood is a primary fuel source for heating and cooking. The term emphasizes the tapered shape of these kindling pieces, which are wider at one end and narrow towards the other.