Zubrovka - time-tested vodka

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

What is Zubrovka? Belarusian or Polish vodka? The Poles call it Zhubrówka. Belarusians drink Zubroika. In English, bars ask for Bison Grass Vodka. This is a bitter tincture of 40 degrees of strength. To date, its production is open in Belarus and Poland.

The drink is infused with fragrant bison. This herb grows in Belovezhskaya Pushcha and serves as food for bison, which is why vodka has such, at first glance, a strange name. Zubrovka's color ranges from amber to light yellow.

History

Zubrovka is a vodka with a real legend, a drink with a long history and an army of fans throughout the CIS and beyond. "Zubrovka" is a magical memory, probably, for any inhabitant of the post-Soviet space. During the Soviet Union, she did not leave the festive tables of all sectors of society: from ordinary workers to general secretaries. Even Brezhnev revered this brand and paid due attention to its use.

The history of Zubrovka begins in the 16th century, when it began to be produced in the Commonwe alth. By the 18th century, the drinktook root at the feasts of both noble people and peasant families.

In 1926, mass production of the drink began. On the site of modern Brest in Belarus, the Polish company began to produce Zubrovka. Vodka and its method of production was distributed throughout all civilized countries.

Even earlier, in 1884, the well-known company "N. Shustov and sons" in competition with wine production began the production of famous Shustov's liqueurs: "Spotykach", "Erofeich", "Casper", "Tangerine", " Rowan on cognac", "Caucasian mountain herbalist", "Riga Balsam". Among them was Zubrovka vodka, the manufacturer of which enriched himself on its recipe.

Grass bison

The inconspicuous blades of this herb have become famous all over the world thanks to the flavoring of Zubrovka, but this is not the whole scope of their application. The fresh special smell of grass provides a variety of opportunities in the canning and confectionery industry. As a flavoring agent in some spices, the essence of this herb is well suited to enhance the aroma and taste. A perfect combination of fish and spices, so you should use its extract for pickling and s alting herring, as well as making canned fish. The spicy smell of bison is the perfect fragrance for tobacco. Housewives rarely use the herb as a spice, although it is easy to find and harvest.

Since ancient times it has been used instead of incense in aromatic incense, so it is often called"sacred grass".

A small amount of bison improves appetite, so some grass was given to pets, especially cows, to increase milk production. The high content of poisonous coumarin in its composition did not allow them to be fully fed with bison.

Use of grass was found even in urban planning, because its developed root system strengthened the slopes of ravines and embankments.

Traditional medicine has not found use for bison. On the other hand, folk healers treated loss of appetite with grass, increased lactation in young mothers, removed pain and spasms in the intestines, and improved the functioning of the digestive system. It was also used in lung diseases as an anti-inflammatory agent. Zubrovka grass can be used for tuberculosis due to its antiseptic properties.

The spice contains a substance called "coumarin glycoside". Thanks to him, vodka with its extract stands out from the mass of alcoholic beverages with a unique aroma and characteristic taste. It increases appetite and helps food to be better digested. That is why Zubrovka is the perfect accompaniment to poultry, game, cold meats, snacks.

Coumarin

Due to a poisonous compound in the herb, coumarin, which is banned in America, imports to the Zubrovka States were stopped in 1978.

The traditional method of making this alcoholic drink involves 1-2 kg of grass per thousand liters of raw materials. This means that one liter of vodka contains 12 mg of coumarin. In 1999, Poland's distilleries recreatedexport of an updated version of the drink, especially for its American fans. The new "American" Zubrovka is coumarin-free vodka containing only artificial colors and flavors, but the symbolic blade of grass still remains.

What consumers are saying

Zubrovka - vodka, reviews of which are more than positive. Satisfied consumers claim that they did not experience a morning hangover after a stormy feast! Or rather, no reminder from the body at all that alcohol was present in it. Ladies rejoice in the drink, because the usual vodka smell is not heard, and the multifaceted taste of herbs adds a spark to the holiday. Pricing policy adds advantages to Zubrovka. The average cost of a bottle of 180-250 rubles allows you to brighten up both modest gatherings in the sincere company of an old friend, and a luxurious family feast.

In closing

Zubrovka - vodka that emphasizes the values developed over the years of family life, strong friendship, taste preferences. Everyone will find something for themselves in it, whether it is the unique smell of herbs, a recipe proven over the years, a lightened morning state or a taste of Polish festivities.