As soon as I arrived here, she bought me salmiakki because she wanted me to try many different varieties, but I did not enjoy it as much as she did. It was still very fun to try new things, especially together with a friend!
Ammonium chloride is a salt added to this Finnish treat, possibly the saltiest thing that I have ever tasted in my life. You can buy salmiakki flavored everything here, but most Finns enjoy it as a hard, chewy candy or gummy candy.
In the cold winters, it is important to keep healthy and hydrated. I do not quite understand why salmiakki is so popular here, but I speculate that it may have been one of the only flavors available when Finland was not a wealthy country, as many spices were not available here, so it is like “sour candy.” I also wonder if it is because the salt is important for preventing dehydration during long treks in blizzards or lumber work, or that it is convenient to carry as it will not easily freeze or expire.
