suolinkais

Suolinkais is a Finnish term referring to a type of small, often bitter, wild herb. These plants typically grow in damp, shaded areas, such as forests and bogs. The term is not specific to a single botanical species but is rather a folk classification encompassing several different edible or traditionally used plants.

Commonly, suolinkais can include plants like wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), which has a distinct sour, lemony taste due to its oxalic acid content. Other plants that might fall under this general description could be certain types of cress or other low-growing, peppery-tasting herbs found in similar environments. Their small size and often green, clover-like leaves are characteristic.

Historically, suolinkais were gathered for their medicinal properties or as a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, during times when cultivated vegetables were scarce. They were sometimes used in traditional Finnish cuisine, added to salads or cooked dishes to impart a sharp, fresh flavor. The preparation and use varied regionally, with some believing in specific health benefits. The name itself, "suolinkais," loosely translates to something like "saltworm" or "worm salt," possibly alluding to their elongated growth habit or their perceived ability to aid digestion and "cleanse" the body.