Salmiakkis are an acquired taste. But I don't think it has much to do with age since every kid on my block loved them. They are considered a treat for Finnish kids, and my neighbors had them shipped (by the box load) directly from Finland. We all asked to get in on the action.
What, might you ask, is a Salmiakki? It is salty licorice that originates from the early 1900s in Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. Originally it was used as a cough medicine known for 'tongue-numbing,' and somewhere along the way became a candy. Clearly, an acquired taste! They are quite salty.This week Sally asked us for our Focusing on Life prompt to think of a time when in the middle of your busy day something unexpected brings you right back to childhood. I was traveling for work last year and was in our London offices, and saw a box of Salmiakkis on a co-workers' desk. She cracked open the box and I popped one in my mouth. Instantly I got flashbacks of me, standing in the yard with my childhood friends. I get that with tastes, smells and especially music. Salmiakkis definitely make me feel like a kid.
Nice story. I thought it was a pile of trilobites!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story. Isn't it amazing how such simple things can transport us to another time, and bring back moments in the past?
ReplyDeleteOh, too funny! Yes, I know Salmiakkis *shudder*; my ex is Dutch, from Den Hague. Definitely an acquired taste LOL!
ReplyDeleteCynthia, I think I would pass on the Salmiakkis, i'm not one for licorice candies on any kind, it makes me think of Sen Sen Licorice candies that my brother eats by the package, it's very strong tiny flakes of licorice.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, you can keep my share too, not a fan of anise at all. Ok I can handle a wee little bit in some Gin but apart from that no way. I bet it was quite the mystic though with them being shipped in, I can just imagine the fun
ReplyDeleteThey do like like fossils...
ReplyDeleteI adore licorice and adding salt would make it better I think. Very anise like?
Oh talk about bringing back memories. I fell in love with those when I lived in Germany
ReplyDeleteGreat story and to find them on a trip to London, too. All those shapes in one box of salty licorice, probably would not like the taste, but they look like a handful of shiny glass or onyx pebbles and that makes them look like a fun treat.
ReplyDeleteOh I think I would love these!! Love your post and that you happened upon them when traveling for work - how cool was that!! Salt and black licorice - heaven!! Funny how tastes, sounds, smells, etc. remind us of our childhood!
ReplyDeleteHubby loves these! We get ours in the Netherlands :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to try it sometime ;)
ReplyDeleteNice memory, I thought they were a pile of beads at first glance!
ReplyDeleteI've had something similar... but I think they are an aquired taste! Did you try to find a bag after you had the one in London last year?
ReplyDeleteNot sure if the description is appealing or not, since I did like licorice as a kid.. but I can certainly understand the feelings!
ReplyDeleteGreat story...I don't like licorice as it is an acquired taste. But I do love salty snacks. Isn't it cool to still get childhood snack shipped in from your home town?
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Love the story! And like Laurie, I thought it was a pile of fossils, lol!
ReplyDeleteGreat story Cynthia. I would certainly try them now, if I ever ran across them.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a photo of beads. lol. I love your story. I have similar flash backs with butterscotch candies. I just love how tastes and smells can take you back to that moment in time.
ReplyDelete~Ema
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It is amazing how tastes and smells can bring so many memories back! I rarely eat candy these days but when I do it does bring back memories since I ate tons as a child!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great flashback for you! I've never heard of them, but I know I won't like them. ; ) lol! I don't even like plain licorice. I bet my Mom would try them though.
ReplyDeleteThey look delicious! I had a friend from Finland who used to share hers with me when we were kids. Yum!
ReplyDeleteFun story but I'm in the "no to licorice" camp :-) They do look "interesting". I'm exposed to quite a few different types of food items here in Israel and I'm amazed at the variety of snacks and candies there are in the world!
ReplyDeleteI love your story and how a taste can just take you back in time. For me it is smells or sounds. Thanks for sharing your "sweets" :)
ReplyDeleteOh the smell of a certain brand of coffee from Mexico brings back memories of my grandpa! Lovely trip to memory lane!!
ReplyDeleteI loved licorice as a child, but never had salty licorice. It is amazing that you found it on a trip to London.
ReplyDeleteI buy this for a friend of mine who is dutch - she loves it, it was too salty for me!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of salmiakkis before. It sounds like an acquired taste. Junior Mints were my favorite.
ReplyDeleteMy mom would love this treat!! But, I don't think I would! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHow funny that this 'cough medicine' evolved into a candy! I loved black licorice as a kid, but it was more on the sweet side.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to learn about this unusual treat. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your story it's really interesting
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