Happy Borshch Day: Enjoy 20% off Borshch-themed products today (Patreon)

Dear Kyiv Independent community members,

Today is Borshch Day, marked every year on the second Saturday of September. To celebrate, today we’re giving you 20% off all borshch-themed items on our e-store with the code BORSHCHDAY.

This iconic soup, far more than a simple meal, embodies a rich tapestry of history, resilience, and cultural identity.

Borshch's origins trace back over a millennium, its story intertwining with the very fabric of Ukrainian life. From its humble beginnings as a hogweed broth, a testament to resourcefulness and adaptation, to its modern-day incarnation as a vibrant beetroot symphony, borshch's evolution mirrors the nation's own journey through time. 

Interestingly, the name "borshch" itself is derived from the Yiddish transliteration of the plant hogweed, highlighting the dish's complex cultural heritage and the influence of diverse communities on Ukrainian cuisine.

Today, this ruby-hued elixir stands as a testament to Ukrainian culinary ingenuity, a symbol of a nation that cherishes tradition while embracing innovation.

Borshch Day is a celebration of this legacy, a tribute to a dish that continues to nourish both body and soul, a reminder of a cultural heritage that endures through generations.

Ukrainian illustrator Albina Kolesnichenko beautifully reimagined this iconic soup for the Kyiv Independent. The key ingredients in the illustration and the dish are beetroot, potato, carrot, tomato, and garlic.

We've brought her artwork to life on T-shirts, long-sleeves, sweatshirts, and tote bags. Check out the products here.