Russians are turning to online sources to discover salted cucumber recipes and efficiently purchasing large three-liter cucumbers from stores
In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the activity of home preserving across Russia. A similar survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) six years ago found that 52% of Russians were making preserves, a figure that appears to be on the rise.
The activity of home preserving is fun and beneficial, offering a sense of independence and a way to ensure food security during uncertain times. For many, it's a nostalgic journey back to simpler times. The speaker, for instance, recalls weekends at the beginning of autumn in their childhood, filled with activities like filling jars with tomatoes, pickling mushrooms, and chopping cabbage for sauerkraut.
Among traditional home preserves, fermented cabbage with carrots is particularly beneficial due to its low calorie content, enzymes for the gut, and rich vitamin and mineral profile. However, it's important to note that preserves with a lot of sugar, salt, or vinegar may be contraindicated for some people due to health reasons. It's always a good idea to consult a doctor before consuming them.
One of the main reasons for the increased interest in home preserving is economic uncertainty and the anticipated shortfall in food supply caused by the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and sanctions affecting imports. More than half of Russia's citizens have recently chosen to preserve food for winter by making canned goods as a means of seeking self-sufficiency and food security.
Another factor contributing to the rise in home preserving is the trend of "urban flight" that started during the pandemic. Analysts of Rosselkhozbank attribute the increased purchases of jars and lids to this trend, as many city dwellers have moved to the countryside, where they have access to gardens and can grow their own fruits and vegetables.
Experts from the "Check Index" portal attribute the increased purchases of jars and lids to the berries ripening all at once this season. The rise in prices also increases interest in home preserves for not-so-wealthy families with gardens. For a pensioner with a 20,000 ruble pension, jars of cucumbers and zucchini caviar can be a matter of independence.
The total area of personal subsidiary farms and household plots has increased by 32% from 2020 to 2025, indicating a growing interest in self-sufficiency. A large number of people, including pensioners and young families, are currently getting into home preserves.
In August 2025, there were 1.3 million queries on "winter preserves" on Yandex, compared to 1.1 million the previous year, indicating a surge of interest. Russians are most often searching for pickle recipes for cucumbers, zucchinis, tomatoes, and "tasty lecho".
Chairman of the "Gardeners of Russia" society Andrei Tumanoff is among those who embrace home preserving. He makes home preserves because you can't buy products of such quality anywhere. Some may have a good farmers market nearby or a familiar farmer, but overall, if you want pickles "like grandma's", not just with the word "homemade" on the label - make them yourself.
Moderation is key when consuming preserves for health reasons, and methods like freezing or drying are preferable. However, the rise in prices and economic uncertainty have made home preserving a more attractive option for many Russians seeking to ensure their food security and enjoy the benefits of home-made preserves.
