The Glow of Late Summer
As the days grow a little shorter and the evenings start to cool, there is something unmistakably special about the light of late summer. It is softer than the harsh brightness of midsummer, yet warmer than the pale glow of autumn. It bathes everything in a golden orange hue, making fruit look riper, flowers more vibrant, and food more inviting. This is the season for lingering outdoors with a plate of fresh snacks, sipping something cool while the air still carries the scent of grass and warm earth. Choosing foods that echo these colors bright, sunlit oranges and rich ambers brings that feeling to your table. A chilled glass of apelsinsaft (Swedish orange squash), a slice of cantaloupe, or even a jar of sunny hjortronsylt (cloudberry jam) can remind you that there is still time to enjoy the season before the cooler months set in.

Orange as a State of Mind 🍊

Orange is more than a color. It is an experience, a mood, and a celebration all in one. It reminds us of the golden light during an evening walk, the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches and apricots, and the cozy promise of a kitchen lit by soft evening light. Even the simplest orange toned foods can have an uplifting effect. A jar of homemade lingonberry and apple marmalade can brighten breakfast in the same way a basket of ripe satsumas can transform a countertop into something inviting. A packet of nyponte (rosehip tea) with its deep amber hue feels welcoming even before you boil the water. By choosing orange hued products, whether because you love their flavor, their look, or the way they make you feel, you invite that joyful late summer warmth into your everyday routine.

Sweet, Citrusy, and Sunshine Flavored

Some flavors are inseparable from summer, and citrus sits right at the top of that list. Think of the zing of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning, the tangy sparkle of a cold läsk (soft drink) like Zingo, or the sweet burst from a slice of apelsinkaka (Swedish orange cake). These flavors are refreshing, energizing, and somehow always tied to happy moments. Even their appearance works in their favor vivid orange slices arranged on a plate are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. Citrus flavored treats like marmalade candies or apelsinchoklad (orange chocolate) are a simple way to keep summer on your tongue, even as the days grow cooler. Stocking a few citrus favorites at home means you can bring a little sunshine to the table whenever you want it.

Cozy Snacks for Cooler Evenings

As the evenings get cooler, we naturally shift toward comfort foods, yet late summer offers a chance to blend the freshness of the season with a hint of autumn coziness. This is the time for warm, orange toned treats that bring a Swedish twist to the table. A freshly baked Västerbotten cheese pie, golden and fragrant from the oven, is perfect alongside a crisp green salad. A slice of knäckebröd spread with butter and topped with a slice of aged cheese is a simple pleasure that never disappoints. For something heartier, a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup served with a side of soft tunnbröd captures the warmth of the season in every bite. These dishes carry the brightness of summer’s color while offering the satisfying richness we start to crave when nights grow longer. They are the bridge between seasons, letting us savor what we love about summer while gently preparing for autumn’s arrival.

A Feast for the Eyes (and the Camera)

There is something naturally celebratory about an orange themed table. A bowl of fresh apricots next to a packet of paprika flavored chips creates a bright, cheerful contrast. A jar of roasted red pepper spread paired with knäckebröd makes the colors pop even more. The appeal is not just in how these foods taste, but in how they look. They bring life to a picnic blanket, a kräftskiva buffet, or even a cozy indoor fika. Orange tones photograph beautifully, making them perfect for capturing and sharing those last sun moments with friends and family. It is the kind of color that makes food look abundant, welcoming, and impossible to resist.

Keeping the Glow Alive

Summer may be winding down, but its glow does not have to fade away entirely. By bringing orange toned foods into your kitchen, you can hold onto that sunlit feeling for a little longer. A shelf stocked with items that remind you of the season a jar of hjortronsylt, a tin of rosehip soup mix, or a box of pepparkakor biscuits becomes more than just storage. It becomes a collection of memories, ready to be opened and enjoyed one by one. Even in the middle of a busy week, a single bite or sip can bring back the ease and warmth of a late summer afternoon. It is a simple, beautiful way to let the season stay with you, even as the first leaves start to fall.