There’s no universal guideline for fluid intake—everyone has different hydration needs. A basic recommendation is to consume 30 ml of liquid for every kilogram of body weight. On hot days, doctors suggest increasing your fluid intake by an additional 0.5 to 1 liter. For instance, a person weighing 55 kg typically needs about 1650 ml of water daily, but in the heat, that can rise to 2650 ml. Prevent thirst by drinking regularly throughout the day and getting fluids from your food. Homemade kvass can be a lifesaver for those who aren’t fond of plain water. This healthy drink can also serve as a base for a refreshing summer soup.
Ingredients: 2.5 liters of water; 400 g of rye bread (such as Borodinsky); 2 g of fresh yeast; 70 g of sugar.
Cut the rye bread into 1.5 cm cubes. Toast them in a dry skillet until they are slightly dried out but not hard.
Take 2 g of fresh yeast from a standard block and crumble it into a small bowl using your hands. Crumble the yeast well so it dissolves more easily.
Add 100 ml of water to the yeast and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Transfer the bread cubes to a three-liter jar with a screw-top lid, add the remaining sugar, and pour in the water mixed with the dissolved yeast.
Fill the jar to the top with water, stir, cover loosely with the lid, and let it ferment at room temperature. The fermentation time for kvass can range from one to four days.
Strain the finished kvass through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean container and immediately transfer it into jars with lids.
Store the homemade kvass in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 10 days.
Life Hack
The speed of fermentation depends on the temperature: the warmer it is, the more active the fermentation. Don’t stop the fermentation too early; the longer kvass ferments, the sharper and more robust its flavor will be.
What else can quench your thirst in the summer? Check out our articles:
A Sip of Vitality: The Right Drinks for Energy
Spring Vitamins: Dried Fruit Compote Recipe
Juice – The Essence of Fruit: How to Drink Your Veggies and Fruits
A Sip of Vitamins: Green Smoothie Recipe with Nettle
