Latvia has a rich culinary tradition influenced by its location on the Baltic Sea. Some iconic Latvian dishes include sprats (small smoked fish), piragi (ham or bacon rolls), and summer solstice cheese made with caraway seeds. Traditional soups include cold beet soup made with beets, cucumbers, eggs and dill. Hearty main dishes incorporate meat and vegetables like pot roast and grey peas with bacon. Rye bread soup and pepper cookies are popular desserts, and gathering herbs to make healing teas is an important part of Latvian culture.