The Ministry of Icelandic Vegetables was founded by a collective of six designers, intervening the Icelandic local food industry. Their aim was to map out production chains, propose farmers and producers new pathways for lost harvest. The designers worked as a bridge between different interests from farmers, drink producers, organizations and restaurants.
The project focussed specifically on B-class rutabaga or Swedish turnip. Hundreds of tons go to waste annually, since the individual vegetables are classified as underweight just below 300 grammes.
Joined by various specialists from different fields, the group produced rutabaga syrup with a strong umami taste, as the basis for soft drinks. Due to its high sugar content, the group could also produce the first 100% locally sourced Icelandic vodka from the dismissed root vegetables.
The project focussed specifically on B-class rutabaga or Swedish turnip. Hundreds of tons go to waste annually, since the individual vegetables are classified as underweight just below 300 grammes.
Joined by various specialists from different fields, the group produced rutabaga syrup with a strong umami taste, as the basis for soft drinks. Due to its high sugar content, the group could also produce the first 100% locally sourced Icelandic vodka from the dismissed root vegetables.
Concept, Development, DesignJohanna Seelemann, Björn Steinar Blumenstein,
Project InitiatorBúi Bjarmar Aðalsteinsson
ClientIcelandic Research Fund, 2016