Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), is known for its extreme cold temperatures, with winters reaching as low as -40°C (-40°F) or even colder. While these temperatures might seem unbearable to most, the people of Yakutia have learned to not only endure but also use the extreme cold to their advantage. One of the most fascinating aspects of life in Yakutsk is the traditional use of underground ice cellars for food storage. These ingenious structures take advantage of the frozen ground and allow people to store food through the harsh winter months.
In this guide, we’ll explore the underground ice cellars of Yakutsk, how they work, and the traditional storage techniques used by locals to keep food fresh and preserved in one of the coldest places on Earth.
1. What Are Underground Ice Cellars?
Underground ice cellars are essentially cool storage spaces carved into the permafrost below the surface of the ground. These cellars take advantage of the naturally cold temperatures in Yakutia, where the ground is permanently frozen year-round, and create a safe, cool environment for storing perishable foods.
How Do They Work?
- Temperature Control: Underground ice cellars maintain a constant temperature throughout the year, typically between -5°C and -10°C (23°F to 14°F). The permafrost beneath the ground keeps the temperature low, and the ice that accumulates during the winter months helps maintain the cool environment inside the cellar.
- Insulation: The earth surrounding the cellar acts as an insulating layer, which protects the stored food from fluctuating temperatures above ground. This ensures that the food stays preserved without freezing solid, even during the coldest months of winter.
- Ventilation: These cellars are often designed with an air vent to prevent the buildup of moisture and ensure proper air circulation. This helps maintain the ideal conditions for preserving food.
2. Traditional Storage Techniques
The underground ice cellars are just one aspect of the ingenious methods used by the people of Yakutsk to preserve their food through the long winter months. Here are some of the traditional storage techniques that have been used by generations of Yakuts to ensure a steady food supply:
1. Frozen Fish and Meat Storage
- Fish: Fish, particularly sturgeon and perch, is an essential part of the Yakut diet. During the winter months, fish is stored in the ice cellars, where it is kept at a temperature just below freezing to maintain its freshness. The cold prevents spoilage and ensures the fish remains edible for several months.
- Reindeer and Horse Meat: Meat from reindeer, elk, and horse is also preserved in the underground cellars. The meat is often dried, smoked, or salted before being stored, which helps prevent it from going bad.
- Storage Method: To store meat, it is typically hung in the cellar or placed in wooden boxes to keep it off the ground and prevent it from becoming too moist.
2. Root Vegetables and Berries
- Root Vegetables: Many traditional vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips, are stored in underground cellars. These root vegetables are placed in wooden crates or baskets and buried in the cool, dry environment of the cellar. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from freezing solid.
- Berries: Wild berries, such as lingonberries, blueberries, and cloudberries, are another staple of the Yakut diet. The berries are often preserved in sealed jars or wooden containers and stored in the ice cellars. The cold storage helps maintain the berries’ flavor and nutritional value throughout the long winter.
3. Fermented and Canned Foods
- Fermentation: Traditional preservation methods like fermentation are widely used in Yakutsk. Foods such as cabbage, fish, and meat are often fermented in earthenware pots or wooden barrels. The cool, consistent temperature of the underground ice cellars is perfect for the fermentation process.
- Canning: Canning is another technique used for preserving fruits, vegetables, and meat. Once canned, these foods can be safely stored in underground ice cellars for extended periods, providing nourishment during the long winters when fresh food is scarce.
4. Milk and Dairy Products
- Milk: In Yakutia, fermented dairy products such as kymys (fermented mare’s milk) and sour cream are staples of the diet. These products are often stored in underground cellars to keep them cool and prevent spoilage. The fermentation process is carefully monitored to ensure the right texture and taste.
- Cheese: Traditional cheeses, such as suluguni and kefir, are also stored in underground cellars to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.
Why These Techniques Are Essential:
The extreme cold in Yakutia makes it impossible to grow crops for most of the year, and the harsh winters make it difficult to preserve food through modern refrigeration methods. These traditional storage techniques have allowed the Sakha people to survive and thrive in one of the most extreme climates on Earth, ensuring that they have access to a wide variety of preserved food during the long winters.
3. Visiting the Underground Ice Cellars of Yakutsk
If you’re interested in experiencing the underground ice cellars and learning more about how they work, there are a few places in Yakutsk that offer guided tours or cultural experiences related to traditional food storage methods. These tours give visitors a glimpse into the ingenuity of the Sakha people and their ability to live in one of the coldest places on Earth.
What to Expect:
- Guided Tours: Some local tour companies offer tours of traditional Yakutsk homes, where you can see how the underground ice cellars are built and maintained. These tours often include a detailed explanation of the food preservation techniques used by the locals.
- Cultural Experiences: You might also find opportunities to sample traditional Yakut foods that have been stored using these techniques, such as fermented horse meat, pickled fish, or wild berries. This offers a deeper understanding of the culinary traditions of the Sakha people.
- Educational Centers: Certain cultural centers or museums in Yakutsk may also have exhibits dedicated to traditional food storage methods, where visitors can see models of underground cellars and learn about their importance to the region’s survival.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
Visiting the underground ice cellars in Yakutsk is a fascinating way to learn about the resilience and adaptability of the Sakha people. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand how the extreme cold of Yakutia is used in creative and sustainable ways to preserve food and ensure that families can survive the long, harsh winters.
4. Tips for Visiting and Exploring Yakutia’s Cold Storage Techniques
- Dress Warmly: Yakutsk’s winters can be extremely cold, so make sure to wear warm clothing, including thermal layers, gloves, and a hat. The underground cellars may be cool but still chilly, especially when exploring traditional homes.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting homes or cultural centers, be mindful of local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos or interacting with the food storage areas.
- Book in Advance: Tours and experiences related to traditional food storage can be limited, especially during the winter months. It’s a good idea to book in advance to ensure you get a spot on a tour or cultural experience.
Conclusion
Yakutsk’s underground ice cellars and food storage techniques are a fascinating and essential part of the region’s cultural heritage. These methods allow the people of Yakutia to preserve food and survive the harsh winters, making the most of their extreme environment. Whether you’re interested in exploring the underground cellars, learning about traditional preservation methods, or sampling Sakha cuisine, Yakutsk offers a unique and unforgettable experience that highlights the ingenuity and resilience of its people.
