Runeberg torte ( fi, runebergintorttu; sv, Runebergstårta) is a Finnish torte flavored with

almond The almond (''Prunus amygdalus'', syn. ''Prunus dulcis'') is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus ...

s and arrack or rum and weighing about 100 grams. It usually has

raspberry The raspberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus ''Rubus'' of the rose family, most of which are in the subgenus '' Idaeobatus''. The name also applies to these plants themselves. Raspberries are perennial with w ...

jam encircled by a ring of icing on top. The torte is named after the Finnish poet

Johan Ludvig Runeberg Johan Ludvig Runeberg (; 5 February 1804 – 6 May 1877) was a Finnish priest, lyric and epic poet. He wrote exclusively in Swedish. He is considered a national poet of Finland. He is the author of the lyrics to (''Our Land'', ''Maamme'' in Fin ...

(1804–1877) who, according to legend, regularly enjoyed the torte, made by his wife, with punsch for breakfast. Runeberg tortes are typically eaten only in Finland and are generally available in stores from the beginning of January to Runeberg's birthday on February 5; however, Porvoo, where Runeberg lived for most of his life, is an exception, as in some of its cafés tortes are available every day of the year.

History

Runebergsbakelse i Fredrika Runeberg receptbok, 1850-talet

Popular legend says that Runeberg's wife,

Fredrika Runeberg Fredrika Charlotta Runeberg (née Tengström; 2 September 1807, Jakobstad – 27 May 1879, Helsinki) was a Finnish (Finland-Swedish) novelist, journalist and the wife of Finland's national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. She was a pioneer of Finnish ...

, created the dessert. Her recipe book from the 1850s has a recipe for the torte, believed to be a variation of an earlier recipe by confectioner Lars Astenius from Porvoo.

References

External links

{{pastries Finnish desserts Cakes Almond desserts es:Johan Ludvig Runeberg#Tarta de Runeberg