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On hot summer days a refreshing drink is not only a welcome addition but also a great way to hydrate the body. While today we find various commercial soft drinks full of artificial sweeteners and colorings on store shelves, our grandmothers had their own recipe for a refreshing drink that helped not only quench thirst but also improve health – the “peasant lemonade,” known mainly as kvass. This drink was made from natural ingredients and had many beneficial effects on the body.
How to prepare traditional kvass
Kvass is a drink that was once made in almost every household, especially during harvest time, when people were exposed to long working hours in the fields. Kvass was an ideal means of refreshing the body and providing energy without the burden of commercial soft drinks with artificial ingredients.
Only basic ingredients were used to make traditional kvass:
- Wholegrain bread – a source of fiber and the base for fermentation,
- Flower honey – a natural sweetener with many health-promoting substances,
- Yeast – essential for fermentative fermentation,
- Spring water – for healthy hydration without added chemicals.
In some households a small amount of grapes was also added to give the drink a mild sweetness.
The preparation process is simple:
- Pieces of wholegrain bread are placed in a container, covered with spring water and honey is added. The container is covered with a cloth and left to stand for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, a yeast starter and a little sugar are added. The mixture is then left to ferment for another 2 to 3 days in a cool place.
- When the kvass is ready, it is ready to drink.
Why drink kvass?
Kvass has many beneficial effects on the human body. Its main advantages are:
1. Hydration and refreshment
Kvass is an ideal drink for hot summer days. Thanks to its refreshing taste and ability to replenish fluids, it becomes a great alternative to soft drinks and sweet beverages. Not only does it quench thirst, but it also hydrates the body, which is essential for health during the summer months.
2. Probiotic effects on the intestinal microflora
Kvass is a natural probiotic that supports gut health. Through the fermentation process it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which can help improve digestion and strengthen immunity.
3. Support for metabolism and aid in weight loss
Enzymes contained in kvass speed up metabolism, which can help more effectively burn calories and support the weight loss process. If you decide to lose a few kilograms, kvass can be a great addition to your diet.
4. Important vitamins and minerals
Kvass is rich in vitamins, especially B-group vitamins, vitamin E and C. It also contains selenium and zinc, which are important for cardiovascular health, improving skin condition and slowing the aging process.
5. Healing properties
Kvass has healing effects on a number of health problems. It helps with arthritis, relieves headaches and has positive effects in the treatment of fungal infections. This traditional “peasant lemonade” is therefore not only drunk for refreshment but can also support overall health.
When should you avoid kvass?
Although kvass is healthy, not everyone should drink it. Its consumption should be avoided by people with celiac disease or an allergy to gluten. Also people suffering from acid reflux, stomach ulcers or other digestive system problems should be cautious, because kvass can increase acidity in the stomach.
Conclusion: Kvass as a natural drink for health
Traditional kvass is a great example of how natural ingredients can serve to ensure health and well‑being. This drink not only refreshes and hydrates but also supports digestion, metabolism and overall health. Add kvass to your daily routine and enjoy its beneficial effects on the body.
