Drinks
Kymyz (Fermented Mare’s Milk)
Ingredients
- 3 litres (12 cups) fresh raw mare's milk
- 200 ml (3/4 cup) active kymyz starter culture (from a previous batch, or a suitable yeast-lactic starter)
Method
- Pour the fresh mare's milk into a clean churn vessel.
- Add the active starter culture and stir thoroughly to distribute it through the milk.
- Cover the vessel with a clean cloth to allow airflow while keeping out debris.
- Leave at room temperature, churning or stirring vigorously every few hours to encourage fermentation and aeration.
- Ferment for 24-48 hours, tasting periodically, until the desired tanginess and slight fizz develop.
- Strain if needed and transfer to a clean storage vessel, keeping cool until serving.
Introduction: Kymyz is a tangy, mildly alcoholic drink made by fermenting fresh mare's milk, a practice deeply woven into Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage and horse-herding culture.
Cultural Background: Kymyz is a tangy, mildly alcoholic drink made by fermenting fresh mare's milk, a practice deeply woven into Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage and horse-herding culture. Traditionally churned in leather or wooden vessels and prepared in late spring and summer when mares produce the most milk, it is prized both as refreshment and for its believed health benefits.
Tips: Regular churning is essential, as it introduces oxygen that helps develop kymyz's characteristic frothy texture. Fermentation time varies with ambient temperature; warmer conditions ferment faster.
Variations: A milder, less alcoholic version is achieved with a shorter fermentation time of around 24 hours. Some producers add a small amount of previously fermented kymyz to speed up the process, similar to a sourdough starter.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days, as fermentation continues even when chilled.
Reheating: Served cold; not intended to be reheated.
FAQs:
Q: Is kymyz alcoholic?
A: Yes, it contains a small amount of alcohol from fermentation, typically around 1-3%, though this can vary with fermentation length.
Q: Can kymyz be made from cow's milk instead of mare's milk?
A: A fermented cow's milk drink can be made similarly, but it will not be considered authentic kymyz, which is defined by its use of mare's milk.
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