Kumis: The Ancient Fermented Mare's Milk That Once Powered the Mongol Empire
In short: Kumis is a traditional fermented dairy drink made from mare's milk, central to the cultures of the Central and East Asian steppes. Often described as the region's equivalent to beer, this carbonated, mildly alcoholic beverage has been consumed for millennia, serving as everything from a staple food to a medicinal tonic.
Kumis is an ancient beverage with deep roots in Central Asian history. While archaeological evidence from the Botai culture in Kazakhstan suggests early dairy domestication, the first written description of its production comes from the 5th-century BC historian Herodotus. He detailed the Scythian method of milking mares, which involved blowing air into the animal to stimulate milk flow. By the 13th century, travelers like William of Rubruck documented the drink's preparation among the Mongols, noting how it was churned in skins until it became pungent and mildly intoxicating.
The drink is produced by fermenting raw mare's milk, which is naturally higher in sugar than cow's milk. During fermentation, lactobacilli acidify the liquid while yeasts create carbonation and a mild alcohol content, typically ranging from 0.7% to 2.5%. Because mare's milk is a limited commodity, industrial production often uses fortified cow's milk, though traditional methods still rely on the specialized skill of milking mares during the summer season. In Mongolia, a mare may produce 1,000 to 1,200 litres of milk annually, with roughly half reserved for the foal.
Beyond its role as a cultural staple, kumis has held varied significance throughout history. During the Yuan dynasty, it served as a replacement for tea, and Möngke Khan famously featured it in a fountain at his capital of Karakorum to symbolize his empire's reach. It has also been used for its perceived health benefits; in the 19th century, it was used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, and figures like Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Scriabin sought it out for its restorative properties. Today, its unique, sour flavor profile remains so iconic that it even inspired the taste of the Japanese soft drink Calpis.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kumis
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/food-kumis.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Cooking, food and drink · More in Food & Drink · Latest · A–Z · All topics
