Defying the Cold: A Plant-Based Settlement Thrives in Siberia

By Alex Fernandes

Nestled deep in the frostbitten expanse of Krasnoyarsk Krai, a region more associated with reindeer herding and subzero temperatures than with sustainable agriculture, lies one of the most extraordinary social experiments of the late 20th century: a self-sustaining, plant-based community. Known as Cheremshanka, this settlement defied the limitations of its harsh Siberian environment, proving that a diet devoid of conventional animal products could support human health, even in one of the world’s most extreme climates.

What makes Cheremshanka’s story even more intriguing is its suspected connection to Siberian religious movements, possibly the Vissarionites—a group following the self-proclaimed messiah Vissarion, who preaches non-violence, environmental stewardship, and communal living. While the religious aspect of the settlement remains debated, its residents adhered to a strict plant-based diet, rejecting meat, fish, dairy, and eggs for ethical and spiritual reasons.

However, reports indicate that the community consumed honey, making them “almost vegan” rather than strictly so. The amount of honey used is unclear, but it appears to have been the only animal-derived food in their diet. Given its minor role, it likely had no significant impact on their health markers. It is important to note that the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) does not promote honey consumption, and the presence of honey in Cheremshanka’s diet does not reflect a broader endorsement of its use.

The Science Behind the Experiment: A Health Study with Surprising Results

Medical professionals from Moscow’s Vegetarian Society and the Institute of Medical Problems of the North conducted an extensive health study on Cheremshanka’s residents. They examined 84 individuals following the settlement’s plant-based diet and compared them to 26 villagers who ate a traditional Siberian diet, which included meat, fish, and dairy.

One of the most unexpected findings was the absence of vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies—two common concerns for long-term plant-based eaters. Despite avoiding conventional sources of these nutrients, the community’s blood tests showed levels within the physiological norm. The only observed deficiency was calcium, which researchers at the time attributed to the lack of dairy in their diet. However, modern nutritional science has since debunked the idea that dairy is essential for calcium intake. A well-planned plant-based diet can easily meet calcium needs through foods such as leafy greens (kale, bok choy, collard greens), legumes (white beans, chickpeas, lentils), nuts and seeds (almonds, sesame seeds, chia seeds), fortified plant milks, tofu, and even wild-foraged greens like nettle and dandelion—many of which were already part of the settlement’s diet. Had this knowledge been more widely available at the time, the community could have addressed the deficiency without relying on animal-based sources.

Cardiovascular health markers also revealed a striking advantage for the plant-based group. Their cholesterol levels and atherogenic lipid profiles were significantly better than those of the control group, reducing their risk of heart disease. A follow-up study in 1999 found that the longer residents followed the diet, the more their lipid profiles improved.

The settlement’s low rates of obesity and hypertension were equally notable. Most residents reported weight loss, improved fitness, and better sleep after transitioning to their plant-based diet. Many even claimed the lifestyle made them feel emotionally more stable, reducing stress and improving family relationships.

Growing Life in the Tundra: The Agricultural Innovations of Cheremshanka

One of the most remarkable aspects of Cheremshanka was its ability to sustain itself on plant foods in a climate where agriculture is notoriously difficult. The settlement employed a mix of innovative and traditional techniques to cultivate a diverse range of crops.

Their diet relied heavily on locally grown rye and wheat for bread, along with grains such as buckwheat, millet, and rice. Legumes—peas, lentils, and soy—provided essential protein. Fresh vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, beets, radishes, cabbage, onions, and squash, formed the foundation of their meals. Though fresh fruit was rare due to Siberia’s harsh climate, they supplemented with apples, wild berries, and dried fruits.

A key survival strategy was seasonal foraging and preservation. The community gathered nutrient-rich wild greens, such as parsley and fennel, and made use of native Siberian plants like nettle and dandelion. Mushrooms, a staple in many Russian diets, were an important protein source. Nuts, mostly Siberian pine nuts, added valuable fats and minerals.

The ability of Cheremshanka’s residents to sustain themselves without relying on imported food was a testament to their ingenuity. Using preservation methods like drying, fermenting, and pickling, they ensured that their plant-based diet remained viable even through Siberia’s brutal winters.

A Lesson in Plant-Based Resilience

The existence and success of Cheremshanka challenge long-standing assumptions about the necessity of animal products for survival, particularly in cold climates. Historically, the idea of thriving on a plant-based diet in Siberia seemed implausible. Yet, not only did the settlement’s residents survive, but they also demonstrated remarkable health outcomes.

The health studies conducted at Cheremshanka strongly suggest that a well-planned plant-based diet can provide sufficient nutrition, even in extreme conditions. While lower calcium levels indicate room for improvement, the overall benefits—such as better cardiovascular health, weight management, and emotional well-being—underscore the diet’s viability.

Cheremshanka’s story is also a testament to the resilience of human communities. Despite the physical and economic hardships of life in remote Siberia, the settlement’s members maintained high morale. Many credited their plant-based lifestyle with improving their overall quality of life, both physically and emotionally.

The Fate of Cheremshanka and Its Legacy

Once the largest plant-based settlement in Russia, Cheremshanka faced challenges over time, from legal and social pressures to economic difficulties. While it is unclear whether the settlement still exists in its original form, the broader Vissarionite movement, to which it may have been connected, continues to maintain a presence in Siberia.

Regardless of its current status, Cheremshanka’s legacy remains a powerful case study in self-sufficiency, ethical living, and the potential of plant-based diets in even the harshest climates. It provides a fascinating model for sustainable, independent food systems—one that could inspire future communities seeking to harmonize human health with environmental stewardship.

A special thank you to Christian Koeder of Germany for providing the invaluable research materials that made this article possible.

Cheremshanka was more than just a settlement; it was a bold experiment in defying conventional dietary norms. Its residents not only endured Siberia’s brutal winters but did so while embracing a plant-based lifestyle that many would deem impractical under such conditions. Their story remains an inspiring example of how determination, community, and sustainable living can overcome even the harshest obstacles.

About the Author

Alex Fernandes is the IVU Webmaster since 2013 and a Counselor for the IVU since the same year. As the founder of Guia Vegano, one of Brazil’s first vegan websites, and a speaker at international VegFests, Alex has been a driving force in promoting plant-based living globally. He has also served as Counselor for the Brazilian Vegetarian Society.

Sources

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• Shavyrina EF, Sharmanov TS, Santalova IM. (2001). Some peculiarities of the nutritional status of vegetarians in Siberia. Vopr Pitan. 2001;70(4):30-2. PubMed
• Shavyrina EF, Sharmanov TS. (2002). The problem of calcium deficiency in vegetarians living in Siberia. Vopr Pitan. 2002;71(5):3-6. PubMed
• pdf EVU NEWS 1998 1 98 Health study in a vegan settlement in Siberia Russia text recog(1.28 MB)