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Heinän puutarha in Salo is Finland's largest chilli producer. A family business in operation since 1999, Heinän today grows over 50 different varieties of chilis, ranging from the very mild to extremely hot – as well as varieties of bell peppers. On site the chilis are dried, processed and made into premium spice mixes and a number of others spicy products such as their signature chili chocolate.

Hongola Gård, owned by the Furuhjelm family, is an organic livestock farm in Urjala. The farm has reared cattle for over 300 years on the estate’s forest pastures, and still today the cows are permitted to move around these areas freely between spring and autumn. In 2017 the family introduced Black Angus cows, a Scottish breed, which are fed only naturally grown field grass. That means that the meat is formally classified as “grass-fed beef”. The farmhouse itself dates back to the 1600s, and is said to have inspired the Under the North Star trilogy by Väinö Linna, whose mother worked in the house. Hongola Gård hosts an annual harvest festival with local artisans and producers open for visitors.

Kaiteki Sienet brings together professionals from around the world to cultivate some of Finland’s finest organic mushrooms. Founded by true culinary enthusiasts Juha, Ying, and Peng, the mushroom farm is driven by a love of bold flavours and thoughtful growing practices. They currently grow organic Japanese shiitake, oyster mushrooms, and lion’s mane for both culinary and medicinal use. The mushrooms are cultivated on locally sourced Finnish birch and organic wheat. After harvest, the growing medium is composted and returned to the land, supporting local crop production and closing the loop.

Located in Hillilä, Asikkala, Mattsson grows blackcurrants and raspberries. The farm moved away from industrial strawberry production to focus on methods that reflect their values. When in season, visitors can pick their own berries in the fields or stop by the café, famous for its pancakes. The farm’s guiding principle is simple: leave the land in better condition than they found it.

Saloniemen Juustola in Laitila, run by Riitta and Jouni Saloniemi since 1998, has grown from a small herd of goats into a full-scale organic creamery. Today they produce award-winning cheeses and yogurts, as well as some natural cosmetics. Over the years the farm has also introduced Finncattle and a few workhorses, and Riitta is even considering adding sheep. “As long as the heart beats and tells us to keep going, we will,” she says.