Crayfish party!
The “kr?ftskiva” (crayfish party), usually held in August, is one of the most important
social events in Sweden. Friends gather to feast on crayfish while wearing funny hats,
singing drinking-songs and drinking snaps. So during crayfish season, you will hear joyful
laughter and singing from balconies, verandas, and gardens all across Sweden – until way
after midnight. Eating crayfish is not easy, but once reaching the heavenly meat inside,
you will find it well worth the effort.
No need to worry!
Crayfish populate both lakes, streams and occeans and are caught in Sweden since many
centuries. There are different species with only small differences in appearance. The
body is made up of segments of protecting shell and commonly 10-20 cm in length. Its
impressive claws are used both for hunting and for self-defence. But when opening a pack
of KR?FTOR (frozen crayfish in dill brine), there is no need to worry. Frozen crayfish do
not pinch!
Practice makes perfect!
During a few late summer weeks (August) as crayfish parties are held all over Sweden,
huge amounts of crayfish are consumed. Opening them correctly is an art in itself, and
learning to master it takes some practice. Most of the meat is found in the tail, but you
can found quite a lot in the claws too. True die-hards use their finger to scoop the crayfish
“butter” out of the body. Some even suck the spicy juices out of the head. Sounds creepy?
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!