Crayfish Party – a Swedish Tradition
When evening falls and the rocks are still warm from the day's sun, it's time to set the table for a crayfish party. Invite your friends and family to enjoy a classic Swedish tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Traditionally, crayfish season began in early August, marking the start of crayfish fishing. Many still stick to this custom, but today, crayfish are often enjoyed later into the fall. Crayfish have been a delicacy since the 1600s, reserved only for royalty back then. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the word “kräftskiva” (crayfish party) became popular throughout Sweden and the archipelago.
Frosen or Fresh?
Crayfish come in all sorts of flavors, but the freshest ones are, of course, the best. Some restaurants in the archipelago have mastered their own brine recipes, offering unique flavor combinations. You can also buy frozen crayfish at the store and make your own brine (check the recipe below) if you want to impress your guests. Typical side dishes include cheese pie, aioli, and aged cheese served on toast or baguette.
Visit or Rent
Whether you’re lucky enough to visit someone who owns a cabin in the archipelago, or if you rent a place yourself, this evening is bound to be unforgettable. Try for example Svartsö or Finnhamn. Also, you can find more information about renting cabins in the Stockholm archipelago here.
Sing-along
If you're new to Sweden or just visiting, you might be surprised when the dinner is suddenly interrupted by everyone singing. Drinking songs, or “snapsvisor,” are a cherished tradition, and a good host will provide a little songbook to help everyone keep up with the lyrics.
Tips for a Great Party
Along with a songbook, you’ll need a bib and an apron (yes, really), plenty of napkins, and a bowl for the crayfish shells. Crayfish parties can get a bit messy, so use a paper tablecloth To create a cozy atmosphere, set out plenty of lanterns and, of course, the must-have crayfish hats.
Did You Know
... that on some islands, they celebrate a whitefish festival instead of a crayfish party? This tradition dates back to when fishing was vital for survival in the archipelago. During a whitefish festival, they celebrate the arrival of whitefish and serve it smoked.
Homemade Archipelago-Style Crayfish Brine
2 liters of water
3 tablespoons of salt
1 tablespoon of seaweed salt
2 tablespoons of sugar
33 cl beer
5 stalks of crown dill
1 kg crayfish
First, bring the water, sugar, salt, beer, and dill to a boil, then let it cool. Pour the brine over the crayfish and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Enjoy!
Cheese Pie with “Västerbotten” Cheese
Homemade or store-bought pie crust
2 eggs
3 dl cream
3 dl grated Västerbotten cheese
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Pre-bake the pie crust in the oven for 10 minutes (first prick it with a fork to prevent cracking). Then mix the filling ingredients and pour them over the crust. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.
