The harsh climate and the paucity of fresh herbs during the non-summer months have played a crucial role in shaping Finnish cuisine. Hence the dependence on certain ingredients like potatoes, dark rye breads, dairy products and turnips. Another aspect of Finnish culture is the strong influences of Swedish, German and Russian cuisines. Finnish cuisine as a whole is very similar to Swedish cuisine, barring the fact that Finnish people desire their food a little less sweet than their counterparts in general. Fish and meat play crucial roles in the traditional Finnish recipes in the west while the use of mushrooms and vegetables are exemplary in the east.