Beetroot kvass is an age-old Slavic drink made by fermenting beets. It’s rich in probiotics and other beneficial compounds. The fermentation process gives beet kvass its characteristic sour taste, and the beets provide a deep, ruby-red color. In addition to its culinary uses, many believe it to have detoxifying properties and other health benefits.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): (Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and fermentation process.)
- Calories: ~15-20 kcal
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Fat: ~0.1g
- Fiber: ~1g
Ingredients: Beetroot, water, salt (or whey or sauerkraut juice to kickstart fermentation).
What it is good for:
- Providing probiotics which can aid in gut health.
- A source of dietary nitrates, which may benefit cardiovascular health.
- Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals native to beetroot.
- Detoxifying properties, as believed in traditional medicine.
How to Use:
- Drink chilled straight as a refreshing beverage.
- Use as a base for soups (like traditional borscht).
- Can be used in salad dressings or as a culinary ingredient in various dishes.
Recipe Idea – Basic Beetroot Kvass: Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, peeled and chopped into cubes
- 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt (non-iodized)
- Filtered water
- Optional: a few cabbage leaves or a small amount of whey or sauerkraut juice to kickstart fermentation
Instructions:
- Place the beet cubes in a clean, sterilized jar.
- Add the sea salt and optional fermentation starter (cabbage, whey, or sauerkraut juice).
- Fill the jar with filtered water, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Cover the jar with a clean cloth or lid, ensuring it’s not airtight to allow gases to escape.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 3-7 days, depending on the desired level of fermentation. Check daily for any signs of mold or unwanted bacteria.
- Once fermented to your liking, strain out the solids and transfer the liquid to bottles or jars, then refrigerate.
- Enjoy the kvass cold. It can be consumed within a couple of weeks when stored in the fridge.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Paleo
- Keto (in moderation)
Note: Always ensure cleanliness and sterilization when fermenting to prevent unwanted bacterial growth. If any mold or off-putting smell develops, it’s best to discard the batch and start fresh.
