How the prison drink chifir came to be, and what it does to the body
Chifir is a popular drink among prisoners. It's prized for its ability to invigorate, induce mild intoxication, and curb hunger. In prisons and camps, where alcohol is unavailable, chifir is the main "doping agent" and a source of comfort for many inmates. But who first thought of brewing and drinking this extremely strong tea?
Many believe that chifir is a prisoner invention, originating in Stalin's camps. However, this is not true; this classic prison drink dates back to Tsarist Russia. Its roots are linked to the traditions of various peoples living in Siberia and the Caucasus.
Historian and culinary researcher William Pokhlebkin, who seemed to know everything about Russian cuisine and drinks, offered an interesting theory about the origins of chifir. He believes that convicts adopted the recipe for this brew from the peoples of Siberia.
In his book "Tea: Its Types, Properties, and Uses," Pokhlebkin wrote that prisoners first tried chifir while interacting with Mongols, Tungus, and Buryats. True, the drink was then called "chagir" or "Mongolian tea."
Chagir wasn't brewed from tea, which was expensive and not always available. Instead, they used the taiga plant Saxifraga crassifilia, or thick-leaved bergenia. It grows abundantly in Eastern and Western Siberia. Chigir warmed and invigorated the Siberian cold and cost absolutely nothing. For convicts and settlers suffering from the unusually harsh Siberian climate, it became a true salvation.
Bergenia became an affordable alternative to tea, which was an expensive luxury at the time. A decoction of this plant has wound-healing and astringent properties, and its leaves contain tannins, tannins, and vitamins similar to those found in tea. These substances helped combat colds and illnesses. Gradually, the tradition of brewing chagir spread throughout Russia. When bergenia was replaced by black tea, the drink's name changed to the familiar "chifir."
Viktor Lozovsky offers a different perspective on the origins of chifir in his book "All About Life in Prison," proposing a Caucasian version of its origins. He claims that it was originally a must for homemade wine made from dark grape varieties, called "chikhir."
One could say that chikhir was a semi-finished product. It lacked the strength typical of wine, but had a strong grape aroma. In the mountain villages of the Caucasus, this young wine was very popular. It also reached Russia, as evidenced by the presence of the word "chikhir" in the dictionaries of Dahl and Ushakov.
In Siberia, the word "chikhir" sometimes referred to sour wine or any dark drink of dubious quality. It was also used to describe invigorating herbal infusions. Gradually, the term came to refer to a strong tea infusion, which eventually acquired the name we know today—chifir.
Chifir has become an integral part of prison life. It's made from black tea, using about 50 grams per mug. The tea is steeped in boiling water for a long time, but not boiled. The resulting drink is so strong that its consistency resembles fuel oil.
During brewing, the tea releases the maximum amount of alkaloids, which actively affect the nervous system. Chifir is drunk without sugar, taking two sips and passing the mug around. With regular consumption, the drink becomes addictive. Therefore, even after release, former prisoners continue to drink chifir.
Chifir acquired a special significance in Soviet prison camps. Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Varlam Shalamov, who served time in the Gulag, wrote about it. In prisons, drinking this drink became a veritable ritual. It could be said to symbolize one's initiation into the criminal underworld.
From a medical perspective, chifir is a rather dangerous drink. The high concentration of caffeine overloads the cardiovascular system, causing vascular spasms. Furthermore, chifir increases the production of gastric acid, which, with regular consumption, can lead to the development of gastritis or ulcers. Chifir also causes a sharp increase in blood pressure. This is especially dangerous for those with hypertension, for whom even the mere introduction to this drink can be fatal. According to Pokhlebkin, chifir also has a destructive effect on the nervous system.
The effect of this substance on teeth deserves special mention. Many prisoners are released from prison with severely damaged teeth, and chifir plays a significant role in this. It erodes tooth enamel, and even short-term use can cause teeth to turn yellow or brown.
Chifir is a drink that has become an integral part of prison culture and is surrounded by numerous myths. Although few people in ordinary life have tried it, in our society, almost everyone knows about it. Why do you think chifir has gained such popularity and become a symbol of an entire era? Share your thoughts in the comments!