10 minute read
Wellness Chaga: An Estonian Elixir
The pandemic has put ‘immunity boosting’ into the spotlight all over the world. People of all ages are embracing the new ‘wellness’ mantra. Many have gone back to age-old home remedies while some opt for industrially-made options.
We were introduced to one such lesser-known immunity booster – ‘Chaga’ – that travelled from Estonia in Northern Europe to New Delhi earlier this year for the Aahar show, and was showcased under the ‘Taste Estonia’ umbrella.
Advertisement
Chaga are wild mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), a fungi that grows on the bark of birch trees, mainly in colder regions such as the northern parts of Europe, Russia, Canada and Alaska. It is also known by other names, such as black mass, clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, cinder conk or sterile conk trunk rot. Studies have established that Chaga has a strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on humans.
The origins of where Chaga is grown, found or sourced do not create any differences in terms of chemical composition. However, Estonian Chaga is reputed for its excellent quality based on the country’s unpolluted soil, pure forests, zero pesticide usage and clean air quality — the best in the world, as per the WHO.
In Estonia, Chaga is grown in 1.3 million hectares of organic forests, sustainably and selectively harvested to ensure quality. Official records reveal that Chaga has been used as a folk medicine by generations of Estonians for 5000 years, as an alternative remedy for arthritis and high blood pressure. It may lower blood sugar and even slow the progression of cancer cells. An early morning shot certainly keeps one healthy and on the go.
CHAGA
An Estonian Elixir
Of course, Chaga is essentially a herbal supplement, albeit one supported by a long history of anecdotal and scientific evidence of its efficacy. It is not intended as a substitute for a balanced diet and the recommended dosage may need to be adjusted if taking other supplements. Vulnerable and at-risk individuals, such as children under twelve, would need to consult a physician before use.
Raw Chaga is processed into dried extract powder or chunks which are usually water soluble and can be consumed in several ways – mixed in food, as a drink or in shots. In case you are wondering what it tastes like, Chaga has a slight bitter flavour like all medication, and is often mixed with honey and juices.
Amongst the producers, Chaga Ltd. is the largest in Estonia. They are known for their health products, in particular Chaga Health Immuno Elixir, a prime example of Estonia’s ‘clean’ ethos in action, bringing pure nature and science together for human welfare. The original formula contained alcohol, which made export complex. Hence, the company expanded the product portfolio to include non-alcoholic versions, a vegan option without honey and mocktails as a healthy summer drink. These are shots, available in several pack sizes and in blended flavours – Rose Hip, Black Currant and Sea Buckthorn – to reduce bitterness and suit all needs and tastes. They also offer Chaga in powder and chunk form. All the ingredients used in the Elixir are well-known in Nordic folklore. Chaga Health Elixirs are exported around the world, with a third each shipped to Asia, Europe and the US.
Another producer is Natural Chaga OÜ who offer a wide range of sustainably harvested, lab tested, certified organic, additive-free, 100% European chaga products, with HACCP approved processing in Estonia. The products are available in several pack sizes and formulations – powder, chunks, capsules, instant extracts, elixirs (Classic Chaga, Chaga with Birch Sap, Chaga with Beetroot and non-alcoholic Chogi) and dual extract tincture low-alcohol concentrates (Organic Chaga, Organic Chaga with Lion’s Mane and Organic Chaga with Reiss). A limited edition Organic Chaga Elixir was recently released in support of Ukraine. L
Yanu
The Bar Bot
An Estonian start-up has developed a fully autonomous and interactive robotic bartender. Based on Artificial Intelligence, Yanu might well be the innovation that puts yet another job on the endangered list this millennium – that of the bartender.
Both bar and bartender in one, Yanu can hold 45 one-litre bottles when fully stocked – the makings for 1000-1500 cocktails. Faster and more cost-efficient than human staffing, it can make and deliver up to 100 drinks per hour. The unit works independently, takes orders via an interactive screen (or a mobile app), prepares the drink, and then delivers it via a robotic arm. Payments are accepted through mobiles, credit cards and even cryptocurrency. And if you think that robs from the whole human, ‘bartender’ experience, think again. Yanu will recommend cocktails, dispense tips for excursions and even crack a few jokes with you!
Compact and moveable, each unit is available in three colours – black, red and white. Only a water line and internet connection are needed for it to work, with cloud-based monitoring and administration. It can be collapsed for transportation in a shipping container.
In 2016, Alan Adojaan with fifteen years’ experience in operating bars, restaurants and night-clubs founded
Yanu as a solution for the industry, not a threat. “Today, there simply aren’t enough bartenders left, two years of lockdowns made them look for other jobs, and after the pandemic, few still want to do it. Yanu is here to help with its contactless and problem-free solution. Suddenly, there is a real need for it.”
Yanu is ideal in spaces like airports, stadiums and theatres with high turnovers and limited floor space, or where 24-hour service is required. Apart from providing consistent and reliable service, customers love it. Yanu brings people over to get that one drink from a robot, take videos and experience the humanmachine interaction. Adoojan is confident of future sales in regular bars and nightclubs.
While there are a handful of other robot bartending units globally, Adoojan shrugs off the competition. Yanu, he says, is the only mobile unit, aside from being faster than most, compact, and autonomous. Yanu’s communicative ability is better developed, making it more of a person than a vending machine.
The first Yanu prototype was revealed in Estonia within two years of the company’s inception. Today, their fourth prototype has evolved considerably in speed, capability and functionality. “Development is expensive, but a priority, and our goal is to build the best solution in the world,” says Adoojan.
The pandemic has brought about a steep rise in the demand for contactless service. In a post-covid world, who would turn down a no-contact drink? But all practicalities aside, we predict Yanu’s ‘cool’ factor alone should guarantee success. L
Tantalising Tallinn
Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn, is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It has somehow stayed under the ‘tourism radar’ compared to other Schengen visa nations, perhaps because few realize how easy it is to access. Tallinn is connected to many European cities by direct flights, as well as buses and even ferries – the 2-hour ferry ride from Helsinki is popular. May through to the end of August is the best time to visit Estonia for its beaches, lakes and islands. Go in winter for fairytale forests covered in snow, and winter sports like skiing. And through the year for a city tour.
While picturesque in the quintessentially Old-World sense, Tallinn has all the trappings of modern Europe – shopping, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. There are many layers to this under-explored city. From the Danes who established the city in the 14th century to the Swedish Empire; from Tsarist to Soviet Russia, to its current status as a thoroughly modern capital city (and seat of the first e-government in the world), Tallinn’s colourful history informs everything from its architecture to its food. Most Estonians speak English, making it an easy city to negotiate as a visitor.
Tallinn’s Old Town has to be its main attraction. The best-preserved medieval town in Northern Europe (and a UNESCO world heritage site), it was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. With cobbled streets, soaring spires and a scatter of low, red-tile roofed buildings, it looks like something out of a fairy-tale. Divided into the Lower and Upper Towns, it is compact enough to be explored on foot. You can easily spend a few days wandering the medieval alleys, stopping at cafes and boutiques, and soaking in the atmosphere.
Orient yourself at the Town Hall Square. Walk through the Gothic Town Hall (the oldest in Europe) and visit Raeapteek Pharmacy with its mini museum, established 600 years ago. As you meander up the hill towards Toompea Castle, you will come upon churches and viewing platforms. Stop at the Patkuli viewing platform for the best views of Viru Gate and its Rapunzel-worthy towers. Immerse yourself in the town’s feudal past at the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, with its underground passages and defence towers.
Do make time for Kalamaja. Just north-west of the Old Town, this area is known for innovative museums, including the impressive Seaplane Harbour museum.
Its multi-coloured wooden houses, bohemian cafés and fashionable shops give it a hip village vibe. Also, a stone’s throw from the Old Town, you’ll find the city’s glitzy modern business district with a cluster of skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, trendy neighbourhoods and shopping malls.
Tallinn is an exciting shopping destination, with a mix of local designers and international high street brands. Regular street and weekend markets, craft workshops, boutiques and even supermarkets, offer unique Estonian products that you will not find elsewhere. Knitting, crocheting and embroidery traditions in Estonia go back centuries; look especially for natural wool, cotton and linen products, and juniper-wood handicrafts and kitchen items.
There is a range of accommodation available here. For unique stays, try the Iglupark in Noblessner with its pod-like Igluhuts, where you can enjoy a session at the Iglusauna. You could stay at the Viru, a historical
hotel in Tallinn from the Soviet era where you can view Soviet memorabilia in their KGB museum. Or, stay in one of several luxurious manor houses or spa hotels dotted around the city environs. These are a perennial favourite with Estonians, and many of them cater to families, with activities and spaces for children. If you prefer the comfort of the familiar, there is a pick of international chain hotels at varying price points.
Tallinn is a foodie’s delight, with international and fusion gourmet cuisine. New restaurants tend to pop up regularly in the city and beyond, in local towns, seaside villages and even in the middle of the forest. The newly launched Michelin Guide awarded Tallinn its first One Michelin Star restaurants. There are both modern and traditional bars and pubs. Many bars and cafes hold regular musical gigs, and nightclubs host the best DJs.
For golfers, the Estonian Golf and Country Club, no more than a half-hour drive away offers a historic 9-hole Stone Course that wends its way through stone formations and boulders dating back to the ice age! Niitvälja Golf, the Baltic’s first golf range, and Golf X Rae, located in a scenic, hilly spot, are some more options close to Tallinn.
Tallinn is a great base to explore the outdoors. Nearby national parks and sandy beaches provide a quick getaway, while tiny rural islands are just a short boat ride away. Estonia is easy to get around with welldeveloped road, rail and bus connections – you can drive the length or breadth of the country in under 5 hours. With over 50% forest coverage and some 2000 islands, it is a dream destination for nature lovers. L
Radhika Tandon
