Convivial Danes

Slow Food convivia from across Denmark had the opportunity to offer the public a taste of regional Danish produce as well as share the Slow Food philosophy late last month at the annual Kulinarisk Sydfyn, the country’s largest fair of artisan food producers. Held in the old port town Svendborg on the island of Funen, over 12,000 visitors joined more than 150 food and drink makers and farmers, gathered to showcase the regions best traditional, organic and GMO free foods.

The very active Slow Food Copenhagen, lead by celebrity chef and author Katrine Klinkin, brought together the entire network of Danish convivia from all corners of the country to participate in the festival with information stands and a series of activities set amongst the many artisan producers. Together the convivia organized small hourly sessions facilitated by the producers. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about artisan beers from a local brewer, who grows hops and barley in collaboration with universities and other breweries; local grains and flours; and organic potatoes and rhubarb. And tastings on olive oil and three different types of cheeses offered people the chance to deepen their understanding of quality foods.

“This event was very useful to spread the word about Slow Food. We found that people are eager to know more about the movement and on how to get involved”, said Klinkin, “Our goal for the future is to strengthen the collaboration among the convivia and focus more activities on local producers.”

The fair also featured a selection of specialties from the Funen region, including beer, bread, honey, wine, chocolate and an array of fruit and vegetable varieties. For the children who attended, activities such as treasure hunts were an occasion for them to get involved with and learn about these foods. A local port restaurant created a Taste of Funen Platter, combining produce present at the festival in order to showcase the diversity of the regions foods specialties.

For more information:
www.kulinarisksydfyn.dk