Experts gave advice on the choice of products for okroshka

On the eve of Okroshka Day, which is celebrated on May 30, Roskachestvo experts marked some products with the State Quality Mark. In an interview with Izvestia on May 30, they explained how to choose high-quality products for cooking this dish.

Experts explained that real kvass for okroshka should be called kvass, not a "soft carbonated drink", and comply with GOST 31494-2012. The composition of high—quality kvass should not contain preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors and colors - only natural ingredients. The presence of acidity regulators, such as lactic or citric acid, indicates a simplified production technology.

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When choosing kefir, it is also important to pay attention to the composition: it should contain only pasteurized milk and a starter culture of live bacteria. Products with vegetable fats, emulsifiers or additives, as well as with a long shelf life are not suitable for okroshka. Fresh kefir has a mild taste, while older kefir becomes sour.

For cooking okroshka with sausage, experts recommend choosing a doctor's sausage that complies with GOST 23670-2019. It should contain only pork, beef, water, eggs, milk, salt, sugar and spices. The presence of vegetable proteins, starch, or poultry meat indicates adulteration. Acceptable additives are sodium nitrite (E250) and antioxidants (E300, E301).

"Real sour cream should contain live lactic acid microorganisms and be made from cream without vegetable fats and stabilizers. If vegetable fats or preservatives are indicated in the composition, this is a fake," Roskachestvo warned.

However, the packaging must be airtight and dry, and the storage temperature must not exceed +6 °C. Unnatural sour cream may have too dense a texture or an unnatural taste.

According to experts, it is better to choose green peas for okroshka in a glass jar to assess its quality. Peas preserved from the end of May to July are usually made from fresh raw materials. The liquid in the jar should be transparent and completely cover the peas, and the sediment or pulp are signs of a substandard product.

Earlier, on May 28, Elena Churakina, an endocrinologist and nutritionist at the Sberbank Health medical company, spoke about the benefits of nuts for the human body. They help to lower cholesterol levels and improve the condition of blood vessels.