Scan Magazine | Special Theme | This is Finland: Finnish Design and Handicrafts
No mean bean
By Hanna Heiskanen | Photos: Karviaisten tila
Karviaisten tila, a fourth-generation farm, has turned the humble bean into a variety of innovative and tasty superfood products that are ready to take on the world. The bean no longer stands for bland and boring, and Karviaisten tila, who specialises in broad-bean products, knows this better than anyone. “About two years ago, I started experimenting with the broad bean. I baked a batch of goods for my family, substituting wheat flour with a broad-bean alternative,” says Katriina Klinckowström. “None of them noticed the substitution. That’s when I realised the potential of the product.” Klinckowström and her husband run a family farm established in 1914. Each generation has sought to develop their own farming practices, but what has run through them all is an emphasis on quality. The farm’s produce is handled directly on location, including the packaging. “This way, we can ensure our products are gluten-free,” Klinckowström explains. For Karviaisten tila, the bean lends itself to a variety of products, from flour to
versatile ground and roasted beans, all with superfood qualities. Their latest invention is not what you would expect: a sweet snack of broad bean covered in chocolate. “It’s an easy and tasty way to add protein and fibre to your daily diet,” Klinckowström says, “and by using the bean we can cut out more than half of the sugar and flour usually needed. We are inspired by the joy of good food and have been blown away by the positive response so far.”
Web: www.karviaistentila.fi Facebook: Karviaistentila
New love for old textiles Pumpa Upcycle is a young company with a passion for bringing new life to pre-owned textiles. “Customers may contact me with a piece of old table cloth, or a curtain, that we can then remake into a Pumpa Upcycle product,” says founder Maria Laaksonen. Through Pumpa Upcycle, Laaksonen contributes to more sustainable consumption. “There is so much fabric with potential out there, with beautiful colours and designs. These textiles can be reused instead of burnt for energy or sent to landfill,” she explains. Reusable bags, furoshiki wraps, pet beds and children’s dresses are only a few examples of the stylish creations made by Pumpa Upcycle for both businesses and individuals. “When working with my customers and upcycling the material, the products are made after the customers’ wishes and become very unique,” she smiles.
Quality made for you Laaksonen works with four independent entrepreneurs who sew the products for Pumpa Upcyle in their own studios in southern Finland. “I am very lucky to be 24 | Issue 118 | November 2018
working with these extremely talented ladies with great knowledge in needlecraft,” she says. “All our products are made with care, and customers can expect perfect hems and stitches.” Sometimes, Laaksonen also picks up the needle herself. “My grandmother was a needlework teacher, and my mum sewed during my upbringing – it’s in my blood. Pumpa Upcycle was born to be very customer-friendly and sustainabilityfocused, and this is how we will continue our story.” Web: www.pumpaupcycle.com and www.weecos.com/fi/stores/ pumpa-upcycle Facebook: pumpaupcycle Instagram: @pumpaupcycle
By Kristine Olofsson | Photos: Pumpa Upcycle