There are a number of Muslim population in Russia who run Ramadan fasting. In fact Islam in Russia is the second largest religion, after Orthodox Christianity. The Muslim population in Russia is estimated to be 21-28 million inhabitants. That is, 15-20 percent of the population of 142 million in the Red Bear is a Muslim. Living in Russia during Ramadan fasting is a challenge. There are some most popular drinks in St. Petersburg during Ramadan fasting.

Unlike in Indonesia whose duration of fast is approximately 13 hours, Russian people perform fasting since imsak at 03:15 to break the fast at 21:37. This means that Muslims there fasted almost 19 hours. Russia is a country located in the northern hemisphere. In March to September, Russia gets day longer than the night. Sunrise in Russia can reach around 21.30 pm. Read also Dining Etiquette in Russia for your knowloedge

Even in the city of Saint Petersburg can undergo fasting up to 22 hours. Especially for the city of St.Petersburg, located in the northern part of Russia. The city is having a day longer than Moscow. Running fasts in this city will be very long. Fortunately, St. Petersburg was cold. The thirst can reduce by people fasting Ramadan. There are some most popular drinks in St. Petersburg during Ramadan fasting.

• Kvass

Russian Muslims certainly have a unique tradition to break their fast. Namely Kvass, a typical Russian drink that exists only in the month of Ramadan. Then what is Kvass? Kvass comes from the Old Church Slovanic word of Proto Slavia which means “yeast” or fermented beverage.

Kvass is a traditional fermented drink made from whole wheat bread. This Slavic and Baltic traditional drink is made from whole wheat bread known as black bread. Kvass is made by the natural fermentation of bread and is sometimes given the taste of berries or birch sap collected in early spring.

The color of the bread affects the color of the resulting beverage. Although this drink is made through the process of fermentation, unique drink is categorized as non alcoholic beverages. Kvass only contains a small amount of alcohol caused by the fermentation process. That’s why Kvass is not classified as alcoholic beverages because containing only less than 0.5-1% alcohol.

Based on that Muslim population in Russia always presents Kvass as a drink served in the month of Ramadan. Its because the drink is decent and kosher consumed. The most delicious Kvass beverage is accompanied by a food called Okroshka. Okroshka is Russian cold soup from various vegetables such as cucumbers, onions, potatoes and frozen eggs in sour sauce.

• Kusmi Tea

The Kusmi Tea brand was originally a wordplay between Kousmichoff and kusmi cha (cha means tea in Chinese). The English word tea then replaces the cha for international sales [ref. required]. The term “cha” is also close to the term “tchai” (чай in Russian) meaning “tea” in Russian. The flavor and aroma are as light as the Earl Gray with the scent of bergamout, lemon and fresh orange blossoms. See also Unique Culture in Russia During Meal Time

This type of black tea named Kusmi Tea was first discovered pata 1867 in St. Petersburg and inhaled by the Russian czar. History Founded in 1867 at St. Petersburg by Pavel Mikhailovich Kouzmitchoff quickly appeared on the Russian market. In 1880, for the birth of his daughter, Elizabeth, he created the Bouquet of Flowers.

After the 1917 revolution, Kousmichoff took refuge in Paris where they opened a shop, the Niel 3 street. In 2003, the Orebi brothers bought Kusmi’s house. They come from a merchant family that specializes in the trade of coffee and cocoa and have made the choice to take over a tea house 2. In 2012, Kusmi opened his store in Champs-Elysées and announced at that time operating margin of 12.7% to 23 million euros of turnover 2. In 2017, in addition to distribution in Monoprix, the group has 55 own stores and a dozen franchises in region 2.

• Kefir

Kefir, a fermented milk drink containing bacteria and yeast, is very popular in Russia both among children and adults. This drink included in kindergaten menu and hospital food. Its because kefir made from seeds or kefir seeds. Meanwhile, anyone who wants to lose weight or recover from a hangover is also very fond of kefir.

At first glance, kefir looks like yogurt. However, both are different drinks. Although both through the process of fermentation, kefir tangible liquid like milk, while yogurt is thicker. Kefir also has a sour taste and a bit bitter. However, this traditional drink is really refreshing and healthy. Cow’s milk, goat, or sheep are ingredient that make kefir. Russians are proud of this national drink. You may read also How Russian Celebrate Easter Day 

The legend mentions that the Prophet Muhammad gave the seeds of kefir to the people of the Caucasus. The seed then becomes a kind of “heritage” passed down from generation to generation. The Caucasus believed that the Prophet Muhammad taught their ancestors to make kefir. Not surprisingly, the Caucasian people also recognize the seeds of kefir as the seed of the prophet.

The term kefir is from the Turkish, keif, meaning good or good state (condition). However, there is also a suspect that he comes from the word kafur. Its the name of the spring water in heaven that the water is white, fragrant smell, and delicious taste. The Quran contains it, namely Surah Al Insaan, verses 5-6.

That are some most popular drinks in St. Petersburg during Ramadan fasting. Actually, kvass, kusmi tea, and kefir not only popular in St. Petersburg but also in other part of Russia. These drinks are national drinks in Russia. For your feed, read also Most Popular Foods in St. Petersburg During Ramadan Fasting and Most Favourite Foods During Winter