Yeast Soup
During the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944), people resorted to extreme survival measures, and one such method was making “yeast soup” when conventional food sources ran out. This soup, often made with remnants of yeast from bakeries, provided minimal nutritional value but offered some calories in desperate times.
Ingredients:
- Leftover yeast (or fermented residue from old bread or brewery waste)
- Water
- Salt (if available)
Instructions:
- Gather the yeast: Collect yeast residue or any available fermented substance from bakeries or breweries.
- Boil: Add the yeast to a pot of water. Boil it for several hours to create a thick, broth-like mixture.
- Season: If available, add a pinch of salt to improve the taste.
- Serve: Serve the mixture hot. It was consumed by civilians as a last resort, providing some sustenance despite lacking proper nutrients.
The Siege of Leningrad (September 8, 1941 – January 27, 1944) was one of the longest and most devastating sieges in history, lasting 872 days during World War II. It occurred when Nazi German and Finnish forces encircled Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), cutting the city off from supplies of food, fuel, and essential resources. The goal of the blockade was to starve the population into surrender, resulting in widespread starvation and devastation.
Living Conditions During the Siege
The citizens of Leningrad endured horrific conditions. Following the bombing of key food storage facilities, starvation became the greatest threat. Rationing became increasingly severe, with bread, often mixed with sawdust and other fillers, being one of the only available food sources. Daily rations dropped to a few ounces per person. In the most desperate times, residents resorted to eating non-food items such as glue, wallpaper paste, leather belts, and even engaged in acts of cannibalism.
The winter of 1941-1942 was especially harsh. The lack of heating, electricity, and clean water caused thousands of deaths from cold, malnutrition, and disease. It is estimated that 1.5 million people died during the siege, mainly civilians who succumbed to hunger, exhaustion, or constant shelling.
The Resilience of the Citizens
Despite the appalling conditions, the people of Leningrad demonstrated extraordinary resilience. The city, though cut off from external support, never surrendered. Factories within the besieged city continued to produce weapons, and daily survival became a symbol of Soviet endurance. Aid was brought in through the so-called Road of Life, a dangerous supply route across the frozen Lake Ladoga. This lifeline provided limited relief, allowing the survival of some residents.
Aftermath and Legacy
When the siege ended in January 1944, Leningrad was in ruins, and its population was greatly diminished. The blockade became a symbol of sacrifice, heroism, and the indomitable spirit of its citizens. It remains one of the most tragic chapters of World War II, a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the extreme suffering inflicted on civilian populations.
The Siege of Leningrad is remembered as one of the worst acts of genocide and war crimes of the time, given that the German forces deliberately sought to starve the city’s inhabitants.
During the siege of Leningrad, about 750,000 civilians died (mostly of starvation) – that’s more than three times the death toll of the combined nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
