Pronunciation: [mˈɛhuː] (IPA) 
The word "mehu" is spelled in Finnish with the letters "m-e-h-u." This word means "juice" in English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "mehu" is spelled as /mehu/. The "m" sound is nasal and voiced, followed by the short "e" sound. The "h" sound is a voiceless glottal fricative, which is a slight puff of air that is released in the throat. The word ends with the "u" sound, which is a rounded, high back vowel.
Mehu is a Finnish word that refers to freshly pressed fruit juice, specifically apple juice. In Finland, mehu is commonly made during the autumn months when apples are plentiful and ripe. It is the result of pressing or grinding apples to extract the juice, which is then typically strained to remove any pulp or solids. The end product is a smooth, clear liquid that retains the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples.
Mehu is often enjoyed as a refreshing and healthy beverage, especially by children and adults alike. It can be consumed as is or mixed with water for a milder taste. Alternatively, it can be used as an ingredient in various culinary recipes, such as glazes, sauces, and desserts. Due to its natural sweetness, mehu is sometimes used as a natural sweetener in certain dishes.
The practice of making mehu has been a longstanding tradition in Finnish culture, with many families and communities preserving and sharing their own methods and recipes. It is not uncommon for families to organize mehu-making events, where large quantities of apples are pressed together, and the resulting juice is divided and distributed among participants. This process not only serves as a social gathering but also as a way of preserving apples for longer periods and enjoying their flavors throughout the year.
The word "mehu" is of Finnish origin. It comes from the Old Finnish word "mehi", which means "sap" or "juice". This word ultimately derives from the Proto-Finnic word "määi", also meaning "juice" or "sap". Over time, "mehi" transformed into "mehu" in the modern Finnish language. "Mehu" is commonly used to refer to various types of fruit or vegetable juices in Finnish.
