Crayfish in Sweden - when, what and why?

Crayfish in Sweden - it's an important and beloved tradition, isn't it? But when is the right time for the feast, what can be served and why on earth do we do it the way we do? We've delved into yet another exciting Swedish tradition.

Crayfish party in Sweden

Our Swedish crayfish party is perhaps one of our most Swedish traditions. It's a great opportunity to socialise, eat well and behave "super Swedish and a bit weird". However, the tradition is not as old as you might think.

We're currently travelling along the west coast, where it's mainly crayfish instead of crayfish and signal crayfish. It's also crayfish slicing time, and this has led us to discuss crayfish traditions, read up and compile facts. Cheers!

1. How long have we been eating crayfish in Sweden?

It is possible that we ate crayfish in ancient times. At that time, people ate what was available to eat, and since crayfish were available in some places, it is reasonable to assume that we ate them too. With Christianity, however, crayfish became more or less taboo as food. But crayfish got their revenge!

In Sweden, crayfish have been eaten at least since the 16th century. This is known because crayfish are mentioned in a letter from Erik XIV to the bailiff of NyköpingshusIn the letter, the king orders as many crayfish as possible to be produced for the upcoming wedding of his sister Anna. In the 17th century, eating crayfish became popular among the upper classes.

2. Why do we eat crayfish in Sweden?

It was the "fine folk" in Sweden who caught on to the trend of eating crayfish, which on the continent was considered a festive food. Before crayfish became a festive food in Europe, they were eaten by monks during Lent, as a variation on fish.

3. How did people eat crayfish in Sweden in the past?

In the old days, crayfish were not eaten whole and cold, as we do today. They were boiled and then used as an ingredient in pastes, pâtés, mousses and stews. Over time, crayfish also began to be eaten whole, but then they were eaten piping hot. It was only in the late 19th century that the idea of letting crayfish cool and eating them cold came about.

4. When do you eat crayfish in Sweden?

Today, crayfish can be eaten all year round, but traditionally, crayfish is eaten mainly in late summer and autumn. In the past, crayfish were not allowed to be caught before the crayfish premiere on 7 August, which is why crayfish were only eaten after this date.

5. When is the crayfish premiere?

For a period in history, crayfishing was limited and could only start on 7 August at 17.00, which was the crayfishing premiere. In 1982, the time for crayfishing was changed to 5pm on the first Wednesday in August. In 1994, the ban on crayfishing was lifted, but many people still choose to start crayfishing around the dates when it used to be the crayfish premiere.

6. When is the crayfish feast?

In the past, when you had to adjust to the crayfish premiere, the crayfish slices started at the premiere. Today, it is common to organise crayfish shows from the end of July until the end of September.

7. Why do we have crayfish in Sweden?

During the 19th century, the demand for crayfish grew, and eventually a ban on crayfishing had to be imposed, which lasted from November to 7 August. This "premiere" then became the beginning of today's crayfish records.

8. When did the tradition of crayfish dishes begin?

In the 19th century, crayfish was still eaten mainly in the upper classes, and the bourgeoisie sometimes served "crayfish soups", which may have influenced today's crayfish dishes.

In 1907, the disease crayfish plague spread in Sweden and several populations of crayfish died. In the late 1960s, due to a shortage of crayfish, crayfish began to be imported from countries such as Turkey, Spain and China, including under the product name "Pandalus". Imports made crayfish cheaper and more readily available, and so 'ordinary people' began to eat crayfish.

The crayfish slice, as we know it today, took shape in the first decades of the 20th century. The word "crayfish slice" began to be used in the 1930s.

9. Why is it called "crayfish party"?

The term "kräftskiva" was first used in Sweden in 1931 in Dagens Nyheter. The word "skiva" here refers to a table top, i.e. a table set with food and drink.

10. Who wrote "Crayfish require these drinks"?

When we voted in 1922 to ban alcoholic drinks in Sweden, crayfish were used as propaganda on a poster by the artist Albert Engström. The poster thus promoted "no" to the ban on alcoholic drinks, on the grounds that strong drinks were required for the crayfish.

11. What do you eat at a traditional Swedish crayfish feast?

At a crayfish party in Sweden you eat - of course - crayfish. In large parts of the country, river crayfish or signal crayfish are eaten, while on the west coast it is more common to eat sea crayfish. The crayfish are served in a delicious layer, often made with water, salt, sugar, beer and krondill.

Common accompaniments to the crayfish are bread, hard bread, butter and cheese (preferably Västerbotten cheese or some other tasty cheese), perhaps mayonnaise or aioli and Västerbotten pie or some other kind of pie. Some may also serve a few slices and a dessert.

12. How do you eat crayfish at a crayfish boil?

If you're used to eating crayfish the Swedish way, it might seem obvious how to do it, but for someone who's new to the tradition, it can seem both difficult and maybe even a little scary. Here's a quick step-by-step instruction:

• Suck in the juice (law) from the crayfish's stomach
• Break loose the legs and claws
• Crack the claws with your teeth and pick out the flesh
• Break off the head - if you want, you can lift your head and eat the "butter"
• Break off the shell around the tail and remove the small string
• Eat the crayfish tail

13. What can you eat at a crayfish feast if you are a vegetarian?

If you are a vegetarian, or don't like crayfish, you can of course swap the crayfish for something else. An alternative is boiled whole artichokes, which also involves a bit of "peeling". The artichokes can be served with salt and butter or aioli.

14. What do you drink at a traditional Swedish crayfish party?

The traditional drink at a crayfish party in Sweden is beer and schnapps, i.e. brandy. Today, some choose wine, sparkling wine or cider instead. Of course, those who wish can choose a non-alcoholic alternative.

15. How do you set the table for a crayfish dinner in Sweden?

Crayfish and krondill are beautiful in their own right, and those who wish can settle for a simpler table setting. Some set the table with beautiful china, while others opt for disposable plates that can easily be thrown away when the party is over.

The table can be decorated, from cheerful to stylish. For those who want to, there are lots of crayfish-themed decorations to buy in the form of tablecloths, place mats, napkins, garlands, streamers, confetti, bibs, hats, moon lanterns and crayfish-themed table decorations. It is also common to display Swedish flags on the table.

16. Why is there a moon on the crayfish plate?

It is common to decorate with paper lanterns with a happy moon. The reason for this is not entirely clear, but the connection may be that the August moon is particularly large and crayfish are best fished at night.

17. How does a crayfish party work in Sweden?

A crayfish party is usually a happy celebration. The party participants are often dressed up, sometimes with funny hats on their heads. Because it takes time to peel the crayfish, the meal often lasts a relatively long time. It is common to drink schnapps and toasts, and schnapps songs are often sung. The party can last late into the night and it is not uncommon for a lot of alcohol to be consumed.

18. What songs are sung at the crayfish party?

Sometimes there are snapsongs sung at the crayfish table, and it also happens that someone has put together a songbook. Which songs are sung varies, but "Helan går" is the most famous. Many snapsongs consist of new lyrics to traditional songs and tunes, such as "Blinking little star", "Mother's little Olle" or "Little frogs".

19. In which countries do they have crayfish feasts?

A kräftskiva is a traditional Swedish celebration, but kräftskivas also occur in Finland, mainly among the Finnish-Swedish population. In Norway, crayfish parties are also sometimes held, called "krepselag".

20. How do you eat crayfish in other countries?

Crayfish are eaten in some cultures, but not in others. Crayfish is not kosher (allowed) in Judaism, and is therefore not usually eaten by observant Jews. In France and the UK, however, crayfish is eaten, but perhaps more on a seafood platter with other seafood. Crayfish is also eaten in China.

In the Cajun and Creole kitchens of Louisiana and the southern United States, crawfish is a common ingredient. There, crayfish are served freshly cooked during special crayfish feasts. In addition to crayfish, the "Crawfish Boil" may contain potatoes, corn, mushrooms, sausages and artichokes.

What is your relationship with crayfish dishes?

What is your relationship with crayfish dishes? Have you grown up with the tradition? Do you organize or attend crayfish shows today? Do you like crayfish?