Väntkö

Väntkö is a term that can refer to several things, most commonly a type of traditional Finnish dairy product or a surname.

In the context of food, väntkö is a sour milk product, similar to curd cheese or cottage cheese, made from soured milk. Historically, it was a common and important food item in rural Finland, especially in areas where fresh milk was readily available. The process typically involved allowing milk to sour naturally, then heating it gently to separate the curds from the whey. The resulting curds were then drained and could be eaten as is, or further processed into other dishes. It was often consumed with butter or cream, and sometimes sweetened with honey or sugar. Variations of väntkö existed across different regions of Finland, with slight differences in preparation and texture.

As a surname, väntkö is of Finnish origin. Like many Finnish surnames, it may be derived from a place name, a personal characteristic, or an occupation. The prevalence of the väntkö surname is relatively low, making it less common than some other Finnish family names. Individuals with the väntkö surname can be found in Finland and in communities with Finnish heritage abroad.