Food
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Traditional Russian food is characterized by the climate of the region. The growing season is relatively short, so fresh fruits and vegetables are only available for a short time. Because of the long-lasting winter and cold climate, people need a diet high in carbohydrates and fats to keep them warm and energized. Dark, heavy rye bread is a key component in Russian food, and Russians eat lots of bread with butter and salt at every meal. The top five staples to a Russian diet are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat, and butter. The most popular vegetables are beets, cabbage, cucumber, and onions. Turnips are a native vegetable to Russia and were the central part of the diet before potatoes were introduced. Vegetables are often pickled for use during the winter months. Sour cream, mushrooms, and berries are also popular. Of course, Russians eat all sorts of various foods that are not traditional, and a "typical" Russian diet will vary depending on what part of the country you are in. The cities are busy and fast food is common, whereas in the countryside you will find people have their own gardens to grow vegetables, and prepare more traditional rural cuisine.
The day starts with breakfast or zavtrak, which consists of bread and ham or salami and cheeses, omelets, or hard-boiled eggs, and kasha, or cereal for the children. Tea or coffee is always served as well. Obed, or lunch, is the main meal of the day, eaten around 2pm. It usually starts with appetizers , zakuski, such as caviar, salads or pickles, and then is followed by soup. Russia is famous for its beet soup or borsht. Another favorite of Russians is cabbage soup. After soup comes the main course, usually consisting of some type of meat or fish, accompanied with potatoes, pasta, and always bread. Sausages and steaks are common, as are meat stews, flavored with salted cucumbers or wild mushrooms. Obed ends with tea and dessert, such as kompot (stewed fruit), or a piece of cake. The last meal of the day, uzhin, is a smaller meal with soup and a main course such as potato pancakes with mushroom sauce.
Some popular sweets, eaten for dessert or at breakfast are blinis, or small Russian pancakes, which are served with sour cream, honey, or jam. Cottage cheese with honey or berry jam is common as well. As for beverages, Russians have particular favorites. Tea is drunk often, served in the traditional samovar. Vodka and Russian beer are popular, and it is not uncommon for vodka and pickles to be an appetizer before a meal. Another traditional drink is kumis, a fermented milk beverage derived from cattle-breeding nomads. It is very healthy as it is loaded with vitamins, antibiotics, and trace elements. For more information on Russian food, recipes, and to buy Russian grocery items, a helpful site is: www.russianfoods.com