Kvass is considered an originally Russian invention. Although stubborn historians argue that a similar drink was drunk in ancient Egypt, and to us he came from Byzantium. The first chronicle mentions of kvass are found after the baptism of Rus, when Prince Vladimir ordered the distribution of “food, honey and kvass” to the people.
Kvass really drank everything: from kings to peasants. The latter, by the way, going to the field, they took with them a kvass kvass. It was believed that this drink relieves fatigue, gives strength and helps with a variety of diseases (scurvy, fever, abdominal pain).
In the Soviet era, kvass production was put on industrial tracks. Therefore, by the end of the twentieth century, the recipe for village kvass was almost lost. Sweet soda has become fashionable: it was too labor-consuming to make kvass.
Only two decades ago the revival of centuries-old kvass traditions began. So, the technologist of the company “Ochakovo” traveled dozens of villages, recreating the technology of quasovar literally bit by bit. As a result, specialists from the Ochakovo laboratory managed to unravel the secret of a unique starter and to organize the production of real Russian kvass.
Now on the shelves of stores a huge selection of kvass. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows that the GOST-based kvass does not differ in severity and many manufacturers use it. Cook kvass according to a simplified technology: one yeast fermentation, and the desired sourness is added by adding at the end lemon or lactic acid.
However, only kvas of double fermentation can be considered as the present. And a corresponding mark must be on the product label.
Also, unlike ancestors, very few people know what effect kvass has on the body. Here are five reasons to drink kvass every day.
1. Kvass normalizes the work of the intestine
Even at the end of the XIX century it was proved that kvass, thanks to the acids contained in it, contributes to the successful digestion of plant foods. The doctor and owner of kvass production I. Yakovlev wrote in 1893:
Simultaneously with rough vegetative food the Russian person always uses kvass. Everyone knows that plant and starchy foods contain a lot of indigestible substances. Seasoning with kvass rough vegetable food, which is based on hard fiber, Russian people have healthy food organs and rarely suffer from digestive disorders.
The basis of kvass is malt and combined leaven. It contains lactic acid bacteria (as in kefir) and a specially deduced pure yeast culture. Double fermentation creates a natural acidic environment that regulates the bacterial flora in the intestines and improves digestion.
Therefore, the effect of kvass on the body is similar to kefir and yogurt. It activates the metabolism, promotes the assimilation of food and the rapid release of the intestine.
Digestion is also facilitated by the carbon dioxide contained in the kvass. From it, the drink foams, evoking the appetite of people who drink it.
2. Kvass vitaminizes and refreshes
Yeast microorganisms that form part of kvass, contribute to the development of vitamins of group B. They, in turn, almost do not accumulate in the body and must regularly come with food.
Kvass is rich in vitamins B1, B2 and B3. The first is necessary for the growth and development of cells, as well as maintaining the normal operation of the heart. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is necessary for the health of the skin, nails and hair, and nicotinic acid (B3) has vasodilating properties and protects the nervous system.
Also in kvass there is a little ascorbic acid, vitamin E and a number of important trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus). All these components make kvass a real cocktail of health, which also perfectly quenches thirst.
3. Kvass – a nutritious and low-calorie drink
In the old days kvass was eaten with rye bread and radish, made from it okroshku and botvinyu. However, the military doctor VS Sotnikov in his works notes that for the common people kvass often served as “the only food”.
Shchi with meat, but no – so the bread with kvass.
Folk proverb
Can kvass satisfy hunger? For a while, yes. After all, the energy value of this drink is mainly carbohydrates – 77%. At the same time, there is absolutely no fat in kvass, and its average caloric value is only 27 kcal per 100 g of product.
Even fewer calories in white kvass. They are considered ideal for okroshki: unsweetened, perfectly set off the taste of vegetables, meat and special okroshechnoy filling.
In contrast to overseas soda, where the sugar content is just off scale, you can drink kvass even to those who watch the figure. A glass of kvass is an excellent solution, if it’s for a long time before lunch, and the strength is already running out.
4. Kvass fights cravings for alcohol
Until the 12th century kvass in Russia was stronger than beer and was considered an alcoholic beverage. But then began to distinguish kvass cooked (“created”), which intoxicated, and the usual refreshing, sour natural way.
Vinco for fun, and kvass for the soul.
Folk proverb
Now the content of alcohol in kvass, especially industrial production, as a rule, does not exceed 1%, and even it is eliminated from the body literally in half an hour. A drink prepared according to all standards is completely safe even for children. By the way, children are recommended so-called fruit and berry kvass. They use natural apple juice as a sweetener, and not a refined sugar.
It is noticed that kvass suppresses cravings for beer and other alcoholic beverages. Do not replace them, namely interrupts the “appetite”. After kvass, I do not want anything else. Therefore, if you come to a party by car and at the end of the evening you have to get back behind the wheel or you just do not want to drink alcohol, drink kvass. ????
5. Kvass is simply tasty
In the XV century in Russia there were more than 500 varieties of kvass: bread, okroshechny, barley, apple, diurnal, berry and many others.
More interesting facts about kvass, its properties and traditions associated with it, can be found in Moscow, in the Museum of Traditional Russian Drinks. You can book an excursion here.
People are divided into two types: some adore kvass, others dislike. There are practically no indifferent to this drink. If you belong to the second category, then, probably, just did not find his kvass.
In the assortment of the company “Ochakovo” there is kvass for every taste.
- “Ochakovsky” is a classic dark kvass of double fermentation with sweet and sour taste and pleasant aroma of crust of rye bread. Perfectly refreshing, invigorating, quenching thirst and giving strength.
- “Family secret” is a real village white kvass. Perfectly suitable for okroshki and other dishes based on kvass.
- Kvasenok is the first kvass in the Russian market, prepared from natural products especially for children.
All kvass!
