Burnt Sugar Coffee
During the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944), one of the extreme measures taken by the population to survive was brewing a makeshift “coffee” from burnt sugar and soil. This became a common practice after the bombing of the Badayev warehouses, where large quantities of sugar and flour were destroyed by fire. The sugar, which melted during the fire, was salvaged by the residents of Leningrad. They would filter the remnants through the soil to remove impurities, and use it to make a bitter, coffee-like drink that offered very little nutritional value but gave a sense of warmth and temporary satiety.
Ingredients:
- Burnt sugar (collected from ruins or remnants of the Badayev warehouses)
- Soil (used as a filter)
- Water
Instructions:
- Collect burnt sugar: Gather any remnants of sugar that may have melted and crystallized after being exposed to heat.
- Filter: Pour water over the sugar and soil, using the soil as a makeshift filter to remove larger impurities.
- Boil: Bring the filtered mixture to a boil, creating a dark, bitter liquid resembling coffee.
- Serve: Drink hot to warm the body in the harsh winter conditions of the siege.
This drink, while far from nutritious, was one of the last available “comforts” for the starving residents of Leningrad, helping them survive through what became known as one of the deadliest sieges in history
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.