Subtly Sweet Saft

Fika time in Sweden practically always includes saft for the younger ones or those who don’t drink coffee. And of course with it comes an assortment of small cookies and sweet buns. As children, anytime we packed for a picnic we always brought flasks with saft and reusable picnic cups.  

Saft can be found in just about every Swede's pantry. It is a subtly sweet juice beverage which comes in the widest variety of flavors. There is always a flavor everyone likes. Most people buy a concentrate, or like a syrup that you can dilute with just water, or an already blended saft for on the go. But best of all is a traditional homemade saft! 

And, we want you to know; it is so easy to make on your own! 

Saft can be made from just about any berry, or fruit or even some blooms like elderflower, or plants such as rhubarb. When we made it we had some blackberries and raspberries that were starting to get a bit soft so we added them to the pot. So anytime you end up with leftover and forgotten berries, make saft!

 What you need: 

16 oz strawberry’s approx. .5 litres 

3dl water 

3dl sugar 

2-3 limes  

You can also add a few peppermint leaves and some other berries depending on what taste you prefer 

 Directions: 

1. Cut the strawberries is thin slices, squeeze the limes 
2. Place all ingredients in a medium pot 
3. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for about 10 minutes, let is sit for another 20-30 min (if possible) 
4. Strain and pour through a straining cloth and gently squeeze all juice out of the berries

This recipe makes 2.5 cups concentrate  

Use about 1 Tbsp of concentrate to 2 cups of water when diluting the saft syrup 

An interesting fact: Swedes drink out of small glasses, so this goes long, long ways.... 

Little Tip! 

Do you like iced tea? This concentrate can be added for extra flavor and sweetness to your favorite tea! 

Can also be added to your sparkling water to create your very own naturally flavored fizzy berry soda! 

Enjoy!