Explore the diverse flavors of Russian Fruits and Veggies cuisine. Despite the challenges posed by the country’s climate, a variety of unique fruits and vegetables thrive in Russian soil. Let’s delve into this list of delicious produce!
Here, we will be going through some of the vegetables that are grown in Russia. Since the list is limited, we will also take a look at the fruits that are grown in the country.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Russian Vegetables
1. Potatoes
Though not originally from Russia, potatoes are often grown there. Potatoes are commonly grown for their ability to store food over time, and because they can be cooked as many ways as any other vegetable.
They grow best in cool climates with long growing seasons. They come in a variety of sizes and there are many types. These root vegetables taste great when baked or boiled, and can even be eaten raw if you like your vegetables crunchy.
2. Parsnips
These roots have a similar texture to carrots, but they are much sweeter. The flavor is reminiscent of celery and parsley, and they are an excellent addition to soups.
3. Onions
The onion family has been cultivated since ancient times and has been widely used throughout history. Onions were one of the first crops successfully domesticated by humans.
There are hundreds of varieties of onions available today, all with their own unique characteristics. Some varieties are milder than others, and some are more pungent. Their flavors range from sweet to spicy and may include garlic, green bell peppers, rosemary, and fennel.
4. Carrots
The carrot is another root vegetable that originated in Europe. Its name comes from the Latin carota meaning “a ball of fat”. Carrots are generally categorized into two groups: round and long.
Round carrots tend to be sweeter and sturdier, while long ones are usually larger and thinner. Long carrots can be cut crosswise to make short sticks. Both kinds of carrots are delicious prepared in a wide variety of ways.
5. Beetroots
Beets are a member of the beetroot family (Beta vulgaris). Beets are most famous for their bright red color which comes from the pigment betacyanin. Red beets are considered superior to white and purple varieties.
All varieties are edible, although the sugar content varies depending on how ripe they are. In general, younger beets contain higher sugar levels. Beets are very nutritious, containing significant amounts of vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium and fiber. They taste sweet and earthy when cooked.
6. Garlic
This pungent bulb contains several compounds called sulfur-containing compounds that give it its characteristic odor. Garlic has been used medicinally to treat numerous diseases for thousands of years.
It is used primarily for its therapeutic effects against colds, flu, and coughs. The active compound in garlic is thought to be allicin, which is formed during the heat treatment of crushed cloves.
7. Radishes
This tasty root vegetable is native to Asia, where it was introduced to European gardeners in the 1600s. Radishes are high in vitamins A and C, and low in calories. They are very versatile and can be eaten fresh, sliced and grilled, pickled, or made into salads.
8. Squash
The squash family includes cucumbers, the pumpkins, winter melons, gourds, zucchini, acorn squashes, delicata squash, chayote squash, spaghetti squash, and summer squash. Squash is a good source of beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Depending on the variety of squash, it may be orange, yellow, black, or green. Most people enjoy cooking squash as part of a meal.
They can be served whole or chopped and added to pasta dishes, casseroles, stir fries, and salads. They also can be baked, steamed, boiled, fried, sautéed, roasted, and grilled.
9. Horseradish
A relative of the mustard plant, horseradish grows best in cool climates and does well in sandy soil. Horseradish has a spicy flavor commonly used in sauces, soups, and salad dressings. It’s traditionally grated over meats or vegetables before serving.
10. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a large, orange fruit of the genus Cucurbita. This fruit is native to Mexico, but is now grown worldwide. Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and minerals. They have an excellent balance of essential fatty acids and are a good source of zinc and magnesium.
11. Dill
Dill is a herbaceous annual flowering plant from the parsley family. The leaves are often used as a garnish for fish, meat, poultry and eggs. Dill is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to man.
It is believed to have originated in Europe; however, it is not clear whether it was brought there by the Romans or the Celts. It is said to be more closely related to coriander than to any other herb. Today, dill is widely cultivated throughout temperate regions around the world.
12. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family. They are a popular food crop and provide many nutrients including: vitamin C, B6, folic acid, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and dietary fiber.
Tomatoes are also a great source of antioxidants like lycopene and phenolics. They are available in different colors including red, yellow, orange, brown, dark purple, striped, and bicolor.
Russian Fruit
13. Gooseberries
(also known as raspberries) are small berries found in bunches on bushes with spiny branches. Gooseberry fruits are sweet and juicy when ripe.
These delicious berries grow wild in North America and were first cultivated in Russia. Gooseberries contain a lot of vitamin C, and they’re known to help prevent scurvy.
14. Strawberries
Strawberries are members of the rose family. Strawberries are a favorite among consumers because of their sweet taste and beautiful color.
There are several varieties of strawberries, including the familiar strawberry, which bears its edible fruit on a simple stalk, and the June bearing strawberry, which produces fruit during the month of June.
15. Currants
Currants come from the shrub Ribes rubrum (red currant). Currants are very tart berries that originated in Eurasia. In addition to being tasty, currants are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. Flavor-wise, currants taste sweet when properly ripe.
16. Plums
Plums are a type of plum tree, Prunus domestica L. Plums are highly nutritious, especially high in calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. They are also high in vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C. They taste great raw, dried, cooked, juiced, and frozen.
17. Pears
Pears are sweet fruits that belong to the Rosaceae family. Pears are round, pear shaped, or oval. The most common variety of pears is Bosc. Pears are delicious fruits that can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies, pies, cakes, juices, and wine.
18. Apples
Apples are a member of the Rosaceae family. Apples are a popular food crop, and are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, fiber, and antioxidants. Apples are commonly used in salads, soups, sauces, desserts, baked goods, and beverages.
There are many varieties of apples, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Empire, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, McIntosh, Cortland, Idared, Winesap, Spigold, Jonagold, and Honeycrisp.
19. Raspberries
Raspberries are a type of raspberry bush, Rubus idaeus L., native to northern China, Mongolia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East. Raspberries are similar to blackberries, but smaller. They’re also less acidic and sweeter than blackberries.
Raspberries have a thick skin that’s covered in soft hairs. When fully grown, raspberries are usually harvested by hand-picking. They taste best when picked at peak ripeness.
20. Cherries
Cherries are a type of cherry tree, Prunus avium L. Cherries are often referred to as sour cherries. Sour cherries are an important part of the human diet, since they contain more sugar than other types of cherries.
Sour cherries are available year-round in grocery stores. Sweet cherries are typically available in summer months. Sweet cherries are not really sour; rather, they’re just much sweeter than sour cherries.
21. Watermelons
Watermelon is a type of melon, Citrullus lanatus, originating in Africa. Watermelons are one of the most popular fruits in the world. It has a distinctive fleshy texture and sweetness.
Watermelons can be found in all shapes and sizes. Some watermelons have seeds inside, while others do not. Most watermelons are green with darker green stripes.
Related: 13 Different Types Of Russian Trees
22. Peaches
Peaches are a type of peach tree, Prunus persica L. Peaches are a popular fruit especially in the United States. Peaches are juicy and sweet, and make for a wonderful snack. Peach trees grow wild throughout Asia and North America. They taste like sweet nectar and smell like flowers. Peaches are available year-round.
23. Apricots
Apricots are small, round, yellowish fruits that resemble plums. Apricots are very juicy and sweet, and come in two main varieties: sweet and bitter. Both are available year-round, although their seasons vary from region to region. Apricots can be used for making preserves, jams, and marmalade.
24. Grapes
There are many types of grapes. Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years. The juice was once thought to have medicinal properties.
Today, grapes are primarily consumed as healthy, delicious snacks and can even be made into drinks. They taste fresh and sweet. Some varieties are soft and juicy, while others are more firm.
Final Thoughts
So, Russia is home to many fruits and vegetables from all over the world. If you have the chance, you should try making some traditional Russian recipes using some ingredients mentioned above.
From pirozhki to kotleti, there are some amazing things to try. How many of the ingredients on this list are you familiar with? If there are any that you don’t know, be sure to try them out when you get the chance!
