Kumis (Airag)
Description
Kumis (airag) is a traditional Central Asian fermented mare’s milk beverage characterized by lactic–alcoholic fermentation and light effervescence.
Fermentation process
- Fresh mare’s milk collected
- Inoculated with previous batch
- Fermented with frequent agitation for 1–3 days
Reported microbiology (examples)
- LAB: Lactobacillus spp.
- Yeasts: Saccharomyces spp., Kluyveromyces spp.
Functional relevance
- Improved digestibility of lactose
- Cultural significance among pastoral communities
References
(To be added)