Climate

• Because Russia is located in a cold climate, the diet is based on grains and root vegetables that do well in these conditions. Rye, barley, buckwheat and wheat along with beets, turnips, potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage tend to be the basis of a typical Russian diet. Fruit and fresh vegetables are less attainable and aren't significantly consumed by the average Russian. According to the russianlife.com website, "Much of the fish and vegetables are pickled or marinated."
  
  

Tradition

• The traditional Russian cooking appliance is called a "pech" or oven. It doesn't have a top burner. Instead, it has one compartment that is used for slow cooking and another compartment that is used for quick baking. This style of baking has influenced the types of foods that are consumed by a typical Russian. Bread is a staple of the Russian diet. A Russian family can eat almost a loaf of bread a day per person. Soups and meat dishes are also quite common. The "pech" itself is used for both cooking and heating in poorer homes.
  
  

Religion

• The Russian Orthodox Church requires many days of fasting each year. The only meat allowed during these fasts is fish. Sturgeon is one of the favorites. Black caviar comes from sturgeon and is used in many dishes, including blinis. Various sweets, cakes and pastries are eaten to celebrate several religious holidays and other holidays throughout the year.
  
  

Nutrition

• Russians eat three meals a day: breakfast, dinner and supper. The earlier meals are heavier and the later meal is lighter. According to the requirements by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a healthy diet "emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products." The average Russian diet, compared to what the USDA recommends, needs more fruits and vegetables. The intake of starches, proteins and sugars are over the suggested amount. Russians also consume many full-fat dairy products, such as milk, cream and sour cream. Mayonnaise is used liberally.
  
  

Economics

• Since 2001, there have been a lot of food shortages in Russia. Because of this, many children aren't getting the nutrition that they need. This is causing many children to be underweight and not grow to their appropriate height.