In extremely cold weather, where temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius, the residents of Oymyakon, Russia, rely on nutritious foods that help them withstand the harsh environment.
Oymyakon is the coldest inhabited place on Earth. In winter, temperatures here can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius. In these harsh conditions, locals have found ways to coexist with nature. They utilize clean air and water, combined with an active lifestyle and healthy foods. (Photo: Pinterest).
Residents of Oymyakon typically do not eat much fruit and vegetables. Due to the harsh climate, not many types of fruits or vegetables can grow in the town. Instead, they consume some wild berries, leafy greens, and root vegetables that grow in the wild. Their main diet consists of fish, meat, and dairy products. They compensate for the lack of fruit by foraging for wild berries. (Photo: WordPress).
Most ingredients are not readily available as they are sourced from elsewhere. Meat comes from animals such as horses, reindeer, deer, and rabbits that are hunted. The only source of calcium and many important micronutrients comes from reindeer milk. This dish helps locals maintain their health. (Photo: Teh Han Lin).
According to locals, they have never been sick in their lives. They believe the reason lies in two local dairy products, hayak and kyorchekh. (Photo: Teh Han Lin).
Hayak has a rich, creamy flavor and color. The recipe for kyorchekh is similar to that of ice cream. Fresh cow’s milk is whipped with berries and partially frozen into cakes. These dishes cannot be prepared or exported to southern cities; they exist only as part of northern life.
Carp is the most commonly eaten fish. The fish is cooked, pan-fried, or grilled over an open flame. The most famous dish here is stroganina, a type of sashimi made from thinly sliced frozen river fish, usually eaten in winter, accompanied by vodka. (Photo: The Sun).
Stroganina is made from sturgeon, Arctic char, and coregonus nasus caught under the ice. These fish contain Omega-3 acids beneficial for heart health and slow down the aging process. (Photo: Pinterest).
Residents rely on horse (usually Yakut horses) and reindeer farming, fishing, trading, and working in heating plants. Frozen fish is a specialty of Oymyakon. When pulled from the water, the fish almost instantly freezes. The frigid air ensures that the fish remains frozen and fresh until sold. (Photo: SteemKR).
