Sbiten
Sbiten is a traditional Slavic drink made from honey, water, spices and herbs.
The story of the origin of sbitn
The first mentions of sbitn were recorded in the ancient Russian annals dated 1128. Sbiten got its name from the cooking method, in which herbs and honey were infused in separate vessels, and then mixed and water was added. By its consistency, this drink is a concentrated thick liquid made up of several main ingredients.
The Slavs called this drink digest or var, prepared it in samovars and served it as a hot drink. In the 13th century, St. John's wort, capsicum, sage, mint, bay leaf and ginger were added to sbiten. The drink began to be considered medicinal and useful in the treatment of colds.
In the 16th century, Domostroy described in detail various recipes for sbitn, its composition and properties.
Since 1917, this drink has lost its popularity until the 1990s, when its revival and an attempt to popularize it in Eastern Europe began.
Cooking sbitnya
There are several basic methods of making sbitn, which differ in the processes and ingredients used. In the recipe, you can vary different types of spices and herbs, use St. John's wort, cinnamon, hot pepper, coriander and ginger.
There are simple and brewed methods of cooking sbitn.
Custard sbiten undergoes a fermentation process, and 100 g of honey, mash, yeast, vinegar, herbs (cardamom, mint, St. John's wort, cinnamon, ginger, cloves), nutmeg and 4 liters of water are used as the main ingredients. For water, only enameled dishes are used, in which honey and water are brought to a boil, and then 1 spoon of yeast is added and the drink is infused for 14 hours. At the final stage, the drink is placed in a cold place for several days, so that it infuses and acquires its characteristic taste.
With a simple method of preparation, 200 ml of water is poured into one container, and 800 ml into the other. In the first container, boil water with honey until foam appears, and in the second container, bring water with spices to a boil. Both containers should be infused for an hour, and then mixed.
Its taste and aroma depend on the sequence and correctness of the stages of cooking sbitn. In addition to adding spices to sbiten, you can pour a small amount of fruit juice into it.
Useful properties of sbitn
Hot and cold sbiten have various beneficial properties. The benefits of sbiten are high, thanks to the components that are included in its composition (honey and medicinal herbs).
Hot sbiten has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and warming effects. This drink is suitable as a general tonic in the winter season.
Cold sbiten is a good drink for quenching thirst in summer and restoring water balance in the body after intense exertion and training.
Sbitn is highly beneficial as a tonic, immunomodulating and restorative drink after inflammatory and viral diseases, injuries, bruises and surgical interventions.
Honey contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and potassium. This component improves the mental and physical functions of the body, improves the condition of anemia, cardiovascular diseases, indigestion, flatulence and skin rashes.
Cloves and cinnamon in sbitna normalize blood sugar and cholesterol levels, have antifungal effects, while cardamom and mint improve the nervous system.
Contraindications
Sbiten is contraindicated for use in case of individual intolerance and predisposition to allergic reactions to its components. Also, this drink is not recommended for people with lung diseases, serious disorders of cerebral circulation and severe diseases of the digestive system.
Sbiten is a high-calorie drink that cannot be included in the diet menu.
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