läihätkä

läihätkä is a term used in some Sami languages, particularly Northern Sami, to refer to a small, often wild, berry or fruit. The specific type of berry can vary depending on the region and dialect, but it generally denotes a diminutive and often tart fruit that grows on low-lying bushes or plants. It is not a precise botanical classification but rather a folk term used for various small edible fruits encountered in the Sami natural environment.

These berries are typically gathered during the summer and autumn months. Their small size and often intense flavor make them a valued ingredient in traditional Sami cuisine, where they might be eaten fresh, added to porridges, or preserved. The exact meaning can be nuanced; in some contexts, it might refer to berries that are not yet fully ripe or are slightly shriveled. The term emphasizes the diminutive and natural origin of the fruit.