Kvass: health benefits and harms

Kvass is a traditional drink of the Slavic peoples. They are quenched with thirst and used in the preparation of summer cold stews. Nevertheless, there is evidence that even 600 years BC, such a drink was known to the ancient Egyptians, who already highly appreciated the tonic effect of kvass and its healing qualities for human health.

What is kvass

At its core, kvass is a drink with acidic characteristics made from flour or rye bread and malt using a fermentation process. It refers to soft drinks, although a small portion of the alcohol in it is - about 1.2%. Honey, aromatic herbs, and wax are added to it; they can use beets, fruits and berries as a basis.

In Russia, the first written evidence of the production of kvass dates back to the reign of Prince Vladimir, but until the 12th century it was somewhat different from the modern drink. It was brewed more dense and containing more alcohol than even today's beer. Over time, they began to produce the intoxicated version only by boiling, and its low-alcohol counterpart also became that acid fermented kvass that we know today.

Both the folk epos and the works of classical writers tell us about the wide distribution of kvass in our country and its exceptional popularity. He was loved and eagerly drunk at any time of the year by representatives of different layers of society. He helped the peasants to struggle with fatigue while working in the field, artisans and workers in the cities, quenched thirst in soldiers' barracks and hospitals, and was an honored guest at high society feasts and in monastic refectories.

Kinds

Do not think that kvass is only a well-known dark brown drink based on rye bread, well-known throughout our country. In fact, there are a great many of their species, and each of them has its own unique valuable properties. Three categories of kvass are distinguished - the well-known bread, also berry and fruit, which are produced on the basis of the juice of well-ripened fruits.

Today in our national cuisine there are distinguished traditional bread, apple, malt, sugar, milk, honey, fruit, berry, mint and beet kvass. In addition, the daily and okroshny kvass are separate.

Composition and calorie content

Fans of diets and a healthy lifestyle look with concern at kvass, especially at the one that has the unpopular word “bread” in its name. But it does not differ at all in some high calorie content: 100 ml of the drink contains only 27-30 kcal, which allows it to be classified as dietary.

Bread kvass receives all the minerals, proteins, vitamins, saccharides and polysaccharides that it inherits from whole grains used in its production. It is extremely rich in essential amino acids: leucine, methionine, tryptophan, tirtosan, valine, phenylaalaline, lysine and threonine. The drink gets its dark color from the reaction products of proteins and amino acids. In kvass there are a lot of vitamin A, E, C, D, H and PP.Also in its composition are phytic acid and carbon dioxide. It also contains a whole chemical table of macronutrients, which includes iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, molybdenum, calcium, fluorine and cobalt.

Why kvass is useful

General benefit

Due to its unique composition, our favorite drink has an active and beneficial effect on human health. It helps the functioning of many body systems, which include primarily the digestive, as well as the genitourinary, endocrine and others. Moreover, using this or that type of this drink, we can direct its action to a specific area. The famous Russian scientist and encyclopedist Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev recommended drinking carrot kvass to remove cholesterol from the body, milk to reduce blood pressure, and orange to clean blood vessels if necessary.

These magical properties are given to kvass by the invisible unicellular creatures hidden in it, known to us under the name of yeast mushrooms. They penetrate into the drink with leaven, which is based on crops or vegetables or fruits, or even from the surface of mint leaves or black currants included in some recipes. Fungi not only participate in the synthesis of vitamins, but also are included in the fight against pathogenic bacteria. The enzymes produced by them contribute to the breakdown of the food eaten and the body assimilation of the beneficial substances contained in it. In fact, the effect of kvass on the body is quite comparable to the effect that consumed lactic acid products, such as koumiss, kefir or yogurt.

For women

For women, in whose diet kvass often visits, it can become a real elixir of beauty. Strong, thick shiny hair, healthy beautiful nails, young skin, which all friends envy - all this is impossible without the organic acids in abundance contained in the miracle drink. Moreover, the phytohormones obtained with it help to overcome unpleasant sensations during the period of menstruation or when menopause occurs - a sudden change in pressure, “hot flashes”, unexpected dizziness. With the help of vitamins and enzymes brought into the body, kvass helps the female body to gently and naturally cleanse and rejuvenate.

For men

And kvass did not pass over men with his mercy. It is worth recalling only the epic heroes from the Russian epic, omnipotent and tireless. How did our national drink help them?

First of all, it contains zinc in large quantities, vitamins of groups B and E, as well as amino acids - and it is precisely these elements that stimulate the production of male sex hormones, without which there will be no heroic strength. It will also help men prevent prostate disease, the appearance of adenomas and maintain potency for years to come.

Kvass not only stimulates an increase in muscle mass, it also helps to save energy during hard physical work, increasing overall endurance.

During pregnancy

The magic wand of rejuvenation, vitamin E, which kvass is rich in, acts as a powerful antioxidant, supporting a woman's body during pregnancy. It helps him to produce progesterone, an endogenous steroid that has a beneficial effect on human embryonic development.

The drink will provide the expectant mother with the ascorbic acid she needs, which means it will ease toxicosis and help prevent stretch marks and bruises.

Finally, B vitamins will make a valuable contribution to the full development of the baby. Phosphorus and calcium will help the same, without which the baby cannot form full bones. Kvass allows you to normalize blood pressure and intestinal function and eliminate the threat of constipation, which will make the waiting period even more joyful.

When breastfeeding

The same antioxidant, vitamin E, when breastfeeding has an enhancing effect on lactation, and also improves the quality of breast milk and even improves its taste.

However, speaking about the benefits of kvass for women during pregnancy and for nursing mothers, it is necessary to clarify that the full positive effect of the drink can be fully guaranteed if it is live, prepared at home or by a well-known manufacturer. Otherwise, there will be a lot of chemical additives - preservatives, colorants, flavor enhancers, etc.

For kids

All the useful properties of kvass, known since ancient times, seem to suggest that all its qualities for adults would be useful to children, but it must be taken into account that it contains a certain amount of alcohol. That is why doctors do not recommend giving a drink to children under five to seven years of age. At the same time, as in the case of any product new to the child, it is necessary to start with a small portion, up to a third of a glass at a time. Children over 7 years old can already use one glass (200 ml).

A child whose diet includes kvass can receive all the benefits of the lactic acid bacteria and yeast contained in it, and these are favorable conditions for the development of metabolic processes, which is important for a baby’s actively forming organism. Then all the useful components of the drink will come into play, strengthening the bone tissue and enamel of the child’s teeth, normalizing the functions of his intestines. They will make up for a possible deficiency of vitamins, delay the development of pathogenic microbes, increase immunity, and make metabolism stable.

When losing weight

Overweight people may find it useful to use kvass to help remove excess fluid, which helps reduce overall weight. The drink strengthens collagen fibers, and the elastic properties of the skin and, accordingly, the condition of the skin depend on them, which removes the severity of the problem of stretch marks. Finally, it leads to a slight increase in blood insulin and a lower sugar level, which helps create a feeling of fullness.

Useful properties of beet kvass

Beet kvass stands apart in the list of modern types of this drink. He fully absorbed the healing qualities of his main ingredient - beets, which in ancient times was considered as, above all, a medicinal plant. Indeed, the results of many years of research by scientists show that the use of beet kvass has the following beneficial effects on the organs and systems of the human body:

• prevention and treatment of constipation;
• a real decrease in blood cholesterol;
• getting rid of respiratory infections;
• promoting liver strengthening;
• help in the fight against atherosclerosis;
• pronounced anti-cancer effect;
• help in the fight against obesity;
• beneficial effect on kidney function;
• cleansing the body of toxic substances;
• relief of a woman's condition during menstruation;
• acceleration of metabolic processes;
• reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease;
• strengthening the skin, connective tissue, bones and blood vessels;
• acceleration of cell growth and regeneration of cell nuclei;
• a beneficial effect on the production of the required amount of stomach acid;
• reduced risk of allergic reactions.

For the female body, beet kvass is especially useful, because a high iron content helps it to make up for monthly blood loss. It also helps to some extent remove the negative effects of menopause, stimulating blood circulation and metabolism. But men should not forget that beet kvass successfully affects the hormonal background, contributes to the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

The benefits of bread kvass

The exceptional benefits of kvass in our country have been well known since ancient times. It not only gives vitality and refreshes in hot weather, but also perfectly relieves fatigue and helps fight all kinds of diseases.

Of particular note is the remarkable ability of kvass to normalize intestinal function.Scientists discovered about 130 years ago that the acids contained in the drink actively help digest plant foods rich in indigestible fiber. The natural acidic environment of kvass, which is created by double fermentation using lactic acid bacteria of leaven and special pure yeast, helps to regulate the bacterial flora of the intestine, which has a beneficial effect on digestion. Thus, drinking kvass helps to better absorb the food eaten and affects healthy bowel movement no worse than popular lactic acid products.

Kvass is a valuable source of vitamins. It is especially important that with its yeast microorganisms it contributes to the production of B vitamins, since our body is not able to create a reserve and is forced to extract them from the products entering it. Kvass gives us vitamin B1, which is necessary for the development of cells and maintaining the heart in a normal condition, B2, which is responsible for the condition of the skin, hair and nails, B3, which is able to dilate blood vessels and serves as a shield for our nervous system.

Even in this drink there is a certain amount of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and E, which slows down aging. Also, it contains very necessary trace elements, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. They provide the construction of bones and muscle mass, streamline the work of the circulatory and nervous systems, provide energy for a wide range of biochemical and physiological processes of the body, and ensure reliable heart function.

Kvass has the ability to satisfy hunger. In the old days, this property of his very rescued the poor, often just do not have other food. Hence the popular saying: "cabbage soup with meat, but no - so bread with kvass." On the other hand, as we have already seen, there are very few calories in this drink, so that it can also be successfully used as part of a diet.

What is useful oat kvass

There are legends about the benefits of oat kvass. Indeed, it retains the biologically active components and substances contained in oats. Traditional healers and homeopaths actively use this drink to obtain a positive effect in a number of diseases. It is indispensable for vitamin deficiency, gives positive results in the fight against diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and also excellently supports strength in case of overwork, insomnia, exhaustion and neurasthenia.

Folic acid in oat kvass, obtained with a drink by a woman during pregnancy, will help develop a healthy nervous system for the baby. Another kvass based on oats has a slight diuretic and laxative effect.

Another important point is the favorable cosmetic effect of the oat drink, which adds fluffiness to the hair, supports skin turgor and strengthens nails.

Finally, kvass helps to lose extra pounds without torturing yourself with exhausting diets, since regular use of it accelerates the breakdown of fats in fat depots.

How to make it at home? You need to take about 400 g of oats and thoroughly rinse it more than once. Pour the washed grains into a 3-liter jar and fill with granulated sugar (5 tbsp). All this pour 1 liter of boiled and chilled water. After that, close the neck of the jar with gauze stopper and put the jar in a warm place for three days, after which you can drink kvass.

Kvass in medicine

The healing properties of the legendary drink have been known since ancient times. Today's medicine recognizes a number of its useful qualities that allow you to have a positive impact on the treatment of certain diseases. The results of milk and alcohol fermentation of the wort and the properties of the produced microorganisms are used.

Doctors use the ability of kvass to replenish vitamins and minerals in the body, strengthen immunity, restore the digestive system, strengthen bone tissue and tooth enamel, and have a beneficial effect on vision.The drink can help patients suffering from gastritis with low acidity, stress and neurosis, problems with the cardiovascular system, nasopharynx and bronchopulmonary system. The characteristics of the drink are highly appreciated, allowing it to help reduce excess weight, cleanse the skin, fight purulent inflammations, and have a detoxifying effect on the body.

With diabetes

It is possible and beneficial to use kvass for type 2 diabetes. We must immediately make a reservation that this implies additional control, that is, you need to consider the sugar of the drink in the total daily intake of carbohydrates. You can replace kvass containing sugar as an ingredient with a drink based on honey. For example, a blueberry or beetroot drink has a direct effect on lowering blood glucose levels to normal levels.

Important: glycemic index of kvass from 15 to 45 units.

With pancreatitis

In the case of pancreatitis, the use of kvass is a big question. Yes, you can drink it, but only in the stage of stable remission, in a very limited amount and in constant consultation with your doctor. In other conditions, doctors categorically forbid drinking this drink for a number of serious reasons. The organic acids contained in it, which are useful in other cases, lead to an increase in acidity, which ultimately causes pancreatic self-destruction in pancreatitis. Another trouble is alcohol, which is contraindicated for patients with this disease even in microscopic doses. As well as patients with this disease, the choleretic effect of the drink is contraindicated and carbon dioxide is harmful, causing them bloating.

With gastritis

For people suffering from gastritis, the use of kvass requires extreme caution. If we are talking about gastritis with high acidity, this drink will most likely have to be abandoned, since it will enhance the irritating effect of the aggressive environment, which already exists in the stomach.

In gastritis with low acidity, kvass is not necessary to exclude from the diet. True, it is better to give preference to beet-based kvass. Such a drink can be drunk twice a day for half a glass. Is it necessary to remind that it is necessary to monitor the body's reaction to the resulting product and adjust the portion with a negative effect. Well, and during the period of exacerbation, of course, you do not need to use it.

For the intestines

Kvass has a beneficial effect on the state of the intestine, in particular: it increases the production of gastric juice and prevents gas formation, relieves heartburn and treats peptic ulcer disease, improves microflora and even removes some harmful bacteria from the body.

For constipation

According to numerous evidence, kvass has the most beneficial effect on bowel movements and can be used as such for constipation. Naturally, nobody cancels consultations with the attending physician.

With gout

With gout, the patient is forced to observe a special drinking regimen to remove excess uric acid from the body. Liquids should be drunk 2-3 liters per day. Kvass can be very useful in this case, as it strengthens the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Nevertheless, in too large quantities, the drink can be harmful: sugar and fermentation products cause fluid retention, swelling and aggravation of pain in the joints.

For the liver

The use of kvass positively affects the condition and functioning of the liver, since it has the ability to strengthen immunity, cleanse the cardiovascular system and replenish vitamins. Naturally, when it comes to cirrhosis of the liver, there must be serious quantitative restrictions.

With cholecystitis

With all the useful properties of kvass, it has the ability to stimulate the release of gastric juice, so with cholecystitis it is on the list of products that are limited to consumption.

Application in cosmetology

We have already noted the beneficial effect of the vitamins and minerals contained in it on drinking kvass on the health of the skin, hair and nails. But the drink has a separate role in cosmetology with its external use.

Freshly prepared drink helps against freckles and age spots on the face, sagging dermis and reducing skin elasticity, as well as in the presence of a large number of fine wrinkles. Kvass, rubbed into the skin, restores its health, freshness, gives velvety.

1. A nourishing mask suitable for any skin type: stir in 1 tsp kvass for 1 tsp. honey and apple juice. Moisten gauze and apply on face. Hold for 15 minutes and rinse with warm boiled water.
2. Means for strengthening nails and giving them shine: 1 tbsp. kvass and ½ tbsp honey and lemon juice. Rub the mixture into the nails for 15 minutes. Continue every day for 2–4 weeks.
3. Kvass is also used quite effectively to combat hair loss, against dandruff and damage to the hair structure (most often during dyeing). Rubbing the drink into the scalp, you can strengthen the hair follicles, relieve skin irritation and itching, remove dandruff.
4. To prepare a hair mask, you need to mix 50 ml of kvass with 2 tbsp. mayonnaise and add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on face for 20 minutes, wrap up heat, then rinse with warm water.

Harm and contraindications

It is well known that there is no medal without the reverse side. So with kvass, with all the enormous benefits that the legendary drink brings to us, we must be aware that there can be negative aspects to its use.

At the heart of the production of the drink is the fermentation process, so it tends to sour. And in sour form, it can cause acute indigestion or even cause poisoning. Also, the alcohol contained in it, depending on the individual characteristics of a particular consumer, can cause a state of weak intoxication, dangerous when driving a vehicle.

Kvass is also not useful for certain diseases. For example, its use is limited for patients with gastritis, high stomach acid, high uric acid, diabetes, cirrhosis, urolithiasis, and low blood pressure.

How to choose and store kvass

When buying kvass in a store, it is advisable to be guided by the following rules.

1. It should give foam, which indicates the correct content of carbon dioxide.
2. The presence of sediment signals a violation of the technological rules of production.
3. As with other purchased foods, you need to check the expiration dates and composition, which can only be water, rye flour, malt, sugar and yeast.
4. It is better to give preference to dark containers that protect the drink from the damaging effects of sunlight.

The general rules for storing the drink are as follows: in a tightly closed container in a dark and cool place (from plus 2 to plus 12 degrees). If we are talking about draft kvass, under the same conditions it can be stored from 3 to 5 days. Once the bottle is open, it can only be kept in the refrigerator and no longer than 3 days.

How to drink kvass

Everyone chooses how to enjoy this national drink on their own and according to their taste, but there are several rules that it would be nice to know.

How much can I drink per day

Doctors do not put forward any strict restrictions on the daily norm of kvass, while still urging them to be guided by common sense and not to drink more than 800 ml at a time. Given all its properties, 1-2 glasses per day can be recommended. The most universal recipe in this case is to listen to your body, and it will tell you when it is time to stop.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

With all the useful qualities of kvass, drinking it at night will not be the best idea, since it can cause a fermentation process in the gastrointestinal tract, fraught with unpleasant consequences in the form of flatulence. Moreover, it is likely to increase the level of acid in the stomach, which is very undesirable, especially when the body is in a horizontal position, as this is fraught with the occurrence of heartburn.

The same reasoning is fully suitable for drinking kvass on an empty stomach. However, if this happens at the beginning of the day, the benefits from its use are still greater given its tonic qualities.

Can I drink while driving

The driver’s official alcohol standards are 0.16 ppm in exhaled breath and 0.35 ppm in blood tests. Given that up to 1.2% of the alcohol content is allowed in kvass, it would seem that it is practically impossible to drink it in an amount at which the permissible norms are exceeded. Nevertheless, according to experts, even such an alcohol content in a drink makes its use impossible for a person driving a vehicle. In addition, no one can guarantee how exactly your body will react to such an amount of alcohol.

Is it possible to get drunk on kvass

This question immediately begs a negative answer. After all, alcohol in the drink contains an insignificant amount - according to GOST no more than 1.2% ethyl alcohol. Given the rate of natural elimination of alcohol from the body, in order to get at least a slight intoxication (level of 0.4 ppm), you need to drink from 3.5 to 5 liters of kvass within an hour, which few people can do. Nevertheless, the individual characteristics of the body of a particular person can lead to unexpected results.

Can Muslims drink kvass

According to the Islamic Information Portal, kvass is a permitted drink for Muslims, since it contains such a percentage of alcohol that can not cause intoxication of a person. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised in this matter, since kvass during prolonged storage can begin to ferment and, as a result, will become able to intoxicate. In this case, its use will be prohibited. Plus, we must not forget that we are all different, and it’s impossible to predict the reaction of everyone to the alcohol content in kvass.

How to make homemade kvass: recipes

From bread

The recipe for making bread kvass has not changed much over the past several hundred years. The efforts spent on making the drink at home will more than pay off for its useful properties, which can not always be obtained from kvass of industrial production.

Rye bread kvass (yeast version)
Ingredients:

• Rye bread - 500 g.
• Drinking water - 5 l.
• Sugar - 250 g.
• Dry yeast - 5 g.

1. Brown bread is cut into small cubes. We heat the oven to 180 degrees and put sliced ​​bread in it on a baking sheet. Dry the bread until a thin golden crust forms on it. It is important not to dry the bread until black.
2. Boil the prepared water and cool. Pour into a large glass jar. Pour the resulting crackers into the water. We cork the jar with gauze cork and put it in a dark place for about one day.
3. Now filter the resulting wort. First, squeeze the crackers, then through gauze in several layers, filter the liquid into a new clean jar.
4. To start the fermentation process, pour 200 g of sugar in a jar and pour the diluted yeast.
5. We close the jar with a lid so that there remains a gap into which carbon dioxide generated during fermentation could escape. Once again, put the jar in a dark room at room temperature for 15-16 hours.
6. Filter the finished drink for the last time and add the remaining 50 g of granulated sugar.Mix thoroughly. We pour kvass into bottles, tightly close and put in the refrigerator.

Beetroot

Ingredients:

• Average beets - 4 pcs.
• Small carrots - 2 pcs.
• Drinking water - 3 l.

1. I wash the beets, peel, cut into small pieces (1x1 cm), put in a jar of 3 liters.
2. Cut the carrots into strips and add to the beets.
3. We fill the jar with drinking cold water, cork with a gauze plug and leave it in a dark place for several days. When fermentation takes place, gas bubbles will rise from the bottom of the can up, the drink will take on a rich burgundy color. This means that kvass is ready to eat.
4. Juices of currant, cranberry, mountain ash, or sea buckthorn can be mixed with ready-made kvass in various proportions. It is allowed to add a small amount of kefir, chopped herbs, spices to taste - this will positively affect the taste of kvass and enhance its useful properties.

From oats

This ancient Slavic type of kvass served as a reliable source of vitamins and essential minerals all year round, especially during fasting, and even replaced some medications.

Ingredients:

• Oats - 200 g.
• Drinking water - 800 ml.
• Sugar - 30 g.

1. Wash oats thoroughly with cold water several times. We sort and reject spoiled grains. We shift to a 3-liter glass jar.
2. Pour sugar in a jar, pour cold water, cover with gauze and set in a warm room with access to sunlight for 4 days. The first batch is ready. This process can be repeated by pouring new water and a new serving of sugar up to 10 times.

From rice

This kvass came to us from China. It is especially good if you want to stabilize the stomach. Plus, the drink helps fight back problems of the spine and joints.

Ingredients:

• White rice - 120 g.
• Drinking water - 2 l.
• Raisins - 50 g.
• Cane sugar - ½ cup.
• Dry yeast - 8 g.

1. Boil water and cool to 25 degrees. Dissolve sugar in it and pour into a glass jar.
2. Rice, without washing, pour into a jar of water, add raisins.
3. Pour dry yeast onto the surface of the water in a jar, do not mix, tie with gauze and set for a day in a warm room.
4. We filter the finished kvass, bottle it and store it in the refrigerator.

From chicory

This type of kvass is very suitable for busy city residents, since it does not require special labor costs and is prepared in record time.

Ingredients:

• Chicory powder - 80 g.
• Drinking water - 5 l.
• Sugar - 300 g.
• Citric acid - 20 g.
• Dry yeast - 4 g.

1. At the beginning of cooking, slightly warm a glass of water so that it is slightly warmer than room temperature, and brew the yeast.
2. We breed chicory, granulated sugar and citric acid in a saucepan, add diluted yeast and mix thoroughly.
3. We cork the pan with gauze stopper and stand for 4–5 hours at a temperature of 21–25 degrees.

Kvass from rye bread with chicory
Ingredients:

• Powdered Chicory - 20 g.
• Drinking water - 7 l.
• Dry sourdough - 200 g.
• Sugar - 275 g.
• Raisins - 40 g.
• Rye crackers are a handful.

1. We make the leaven. Pour 100 g of dry sourdough, 120 g of granulated sugar, dry yeast and raisins into a three-liter jar. Pour 2 liters of warm water there and mix well. We seal the jar with gauze stopper and place in a warm room for 2 days. We merge the liquid from the sediment in the bank - we get the leaven.
2. Mix it with 2 tbsp. dry kvass, 2 tbsp granulated sugar and pour 2 liters of water. Leave for another 2 days.
3. We merge the liquid from the sediment, we get the finished yeast, which we mix in a 3-liter jar with 5 tbsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. dry kvass, ½ tsp yeast and chicory.
4. Top up the jar to the top with warm water and put in a warm place for 3 days. Filter the resulting kvass into bottles and store in the refrigerator.

From birch sap

This type of kvass usually does not cause special difficulties in production. The main requirement is on-time and well-collected birch sap. So very little effort will be rewarded with the excellent taste of a wonderful refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• Fresh birch sap - 3 l.
• Rye bread - 300 g
• Sugar - 100 g.
• Blackcurrant leaves - 10 pcs.
• Raisins - 30 g.

1. Cut rye bread into medium-sized cubes and dry in the oven.
2. Filter the birch juice through cheesecloth into a saucepan and heat it on a stove, not allowing it to boil.
3. Mix the juice with the obtained rye crackers and sugar. Add washed currant leaves and raisins.
4. We tie the jar with gauze and set it in a warm place for up to 5 days. Ready kvass is bottled and stored in a cool dark room.

Birch kvass with orange
Ingredients:

• Birch sap - 2.5 l.
• Orange - 1 pc.
• Sugar - 100 g.
• Fresh yeast - 5 g.
• Mint leaves - 10 pcs.
• Raisins - 20 g.

1. Filter birch sap (preferably freshly picked) into a large container.
2. Cut the orange into thin slices and put in juice. Pour a little juice into a mug, breed yeast and sugar in it, add it back to the juice.
3. Pour mint into a container, cover with gauze and put in heat for 2 days.
4. Then filter, bottle, add a few raisins to each, cork and put in storage in the refrigerator.

Lingonberry

Lingonberries are extremely appreciated by specialists not only for their taste, but also for its healing features. Kvass from this berry is not known to all home craftsmen. For those who master the technology of preparing this drink, he will present his wonderful taste and refreshing properties.

Ingredients:

• Drinking water (cold) - 4 l.
• Lingonberry - 5 glasses.
• Yeast - 8 g.
• Sugar - 400 g.
• Raisins - 20 g.

1. We sort the lingonberries, wash them and crush a little so that it starts to secrete juice. We put it in a large saucepan, pour cold water and cook after boiling for up to 15 minutes over low heat.
2. We cool the broth, filter the berries and combine with yeast and sugar, after which we stand for about 6 hours.
3. Then we pour kvass into bottles, after having thrown a little raisins in each, and put it for 2 days in a cool room. The drink is ready to drink.

From apples

For apple kvass, fully ripe juicy apples are suitable. Its production does not require special cash costs, time or skill of the cook. It is only necessary to more accurately withstand the time required for its fermentation and maturation, and you can get a delicious carbonated refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• Apples - 0.7 kg.
• Drinking water - 2 l.
• Sugar - 80 g.
• Dry yeast - ½ tsp.

1. Pour water into a large pan, better enameled, and bring to a boil.
2. We wash the apples and cut into eight parts. We reject the spoiled places of fruits, cutting them and throwing them away. We remove the seed boxes and cuttings from the cut slices.
3. We put apples in the pan, bring to a boil again and keep on medium heat for another 7 minutes. We try the resulting compote for sugar, if the taste is sour, add sweets.
4. Cool the pan to room temperature and filter to remove all pieces of apples. In a small volume of the resulting drink, we brew the yeast and pour it into the pan. Having mixed all the ingredients well, close the pan with gauze and place in a warm place for 12 hours for fermentation.
5. Pour the drink into bottles or other hermetically sealed dishes and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for ripening. Ready kvass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Is it possible to give kvass to animals

Usually, veterinarians do not recommend giving animals anything exotic and not part of their normal diet. After all, there is always a danger of developing an allergic reaction to any ingredient that is part of a drink or food. So, that percentage of alcohol invisible to a person can be toxic for a pet. In particular, dog breeders are of the opinion that if a pet asks for kvass, he does not have enough vitamin in his body that he can get from a drink. Most often this is group B. In this case, it would be better to buy a dog a special bait with these vitamins or make a diet in such a way as to eliminate this deficiency with the help of products.

Interesting facts about kvass

1. According to the testimony of Russian chronicles from 996, Prince Vladimir during the conversion of Russia to Christianity ordered to treat converts with kvass along with food and honey. This is the first written evidence of how kvass gained distribution and gained popularity on Russian soil.
2. From time immemorial, kvass was not only loved by the people, but also enjoyed the favor of royalty, in particular the Romanov dynasty. So, Alexei Mikhailovich, who reigned in the middle of the XVII century, ordered to put kvass on the tables during his wedding feast. And later at Peter the Great, this drink was held in high esteem - for him kvass was made according to the special recipe of the king, with the addition of horseradish. Prince Grigory Potemkin also favored traditional drinking: he personally monitored the preparation of kvass to his table and invariably included kvass in the menu for his travels and military campaigns.
3. The masters involved in the production of kvass were called “kvass” in the old days. They sold their products, as a rule, in special places called “kvass rows” or “kvass yards”. In particular, such rows, built in Kostroma at the very beginning of the 19th century, have been perfectly preserved to this day, decorating the city with their exquisite elegant architecture, being one of the tourist attractions. Kvasnikov was visible from afar by their professional headgear resembling a wide cylinder and the large glass vessels in which they carried their products. Each had his own narrow specialization, for example, were “apple” or “strawberry” fermenters, and so on. They held priority in the sale of refreshing drinks until the 19th century, when they gradually began to be squeezed by the increasingly popular tea trade.
4. Among the professionals involved in the production of beverages, the fact that at the international competition in 1975 held in Yugoslavia, a drink brought under the brand name “Moscow Kvass” from the USSR was very highly appreciated by the jury for its palatability: it was awarded 18 points. At the same time, kvass left far behind the famous Coca-Cola, which received only 9.8 points.

Kvass photo