The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Just like the Discover Russia Telegram channel is a natural extension of our Ultimate Travel Guide, which has just released its autumn edition!

And since autumn is the season of the witch harvest season, the new issue is full of places, drinks and foods that make the most of it. As for the channel, we couldn’t think of a better time to continue our #DRculture series and add another dish to the menu. Last time, we witnessed a heated kvass-vs-kefir rivalry over okroshka. This time, let’s enter the season peacefully.

Meet sharlotka — a classic Russian apple pie.

A page from history:

Apple pie in Russia comes in many forms, shapes and variations. Countless cuisines around the world have their own versions, but there’s a very practical reason it became such a staple here. Apples were local, seasonal and relatively affordable, while the rest of the ingredients were basic pantry essentials. When autumn handed you more apples than you knew what to do with, baking them into something was simply good sense.

Every family, town and establishment seems to have its own recipe — and, naturally, its own little secrets. Travel around the country and taste your way through them. And if at some point you find yourself falling desperately in love with apples, head to Kolomna — people there will understand. They’ve turned apples into an entire cultural universe of orchards, pastila, museums, festivals and more.

You can find more about Kolomna’s apple obsession — including the Apples in Kolomna festival — in the autumn edition of our Ultimate Travel Guide.

And always remember: an apple a day keeps the doctor away! xoxo

#DRculture #DRinspo