Taste of Traditional Kazakh Mare's Milk Culture Showcased at BaiQymyz Festival
In the heart of Kazakhstan, the city of Astana played host to the BaiQymyz festival on July 19-20, a celebration of the region's traditional fermented mare's milk, kymyz (also known as kumis). The event aimed to preserve Kazakh traditions and promote the national drink, attracting over 70,000 guests and setting a new record by gathering a total of 30 tons of kymyz.
Kymyz, cherished across Central Asia for its health benefits and cultural significance, is a probiotic-rich, mildly alcoholic beverage made by fermenting fresh mare's milk using natural microbes. The fermentation process converts lactose into lactic acid and alcohol, producing a slightly sour, effervescent drink.
Health Benefits of Kymyz -------------------------
Rich in vitamins and probiotics, kymyz contains live beneficial bacteria essential for gut health, which help boost the immune system and improve digestion. Its therapeutic properties have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, and digestive diseases. The probiotics and other nutrients in fermented mare’s milk help strengthen immune defenses, contributing to overall health.
Unique Production Methods --------------------------
The production of kymyz involves ancestral methods passed down through generations, often done by hand. In regions like Kyrgyzstan, fresh mare's milk is collected daily, and the milk is continuously stirred during fermentation to maintain the right microflora balance. Each region has its unique method of smoking the barrel for kymyz preparation. For example, in the northern region, kymyz is mainly smoked with the tobylgy herb, while the Turkistan Region smokes it with the herb called kiik-oty.
Competition Highlights ----------------------
The festival offered 45 million tenge (US$84,000) in prize money for the best qymyz. The first place and a cash prize of 20 million tenge (US$37,500) went to the Zhanys farm from Sarzhal village in the Abai Region. Zhazira, a participant from Almaty, specializes in making kymyz in a juniper barrel, oiling it, and seasoning it. The second place in the kymyz competition was awarded to Qarynshi farm, representing Karkaraly kymyz in the Karagandy Region. The third spot in the competition was taken by Kabdulin farm from the Akmola Region.
In addition to the competition, more than 50 kymyz producers from all over Kazakhstan participated in the festival, each bringing over 500 litres of kymyz for tastings and sharing insights into their unique production methods. Kulziya, an owner of a hotel near Almaty, specializes in saumal therapy and makes various products from it, including ointments for dermo problems, leg cramps, cosmetics, soap, and hair growth oil.
Beyond its nutritional value, kymyz production and consumption are deeply embedded in Central Asian nomadic culture, celebrated in festivals and regarded as a symbol of heritage. The BaiQymyz festival in Astana not only showcased the best of this traditional drink but also celebrated the rich cultural traditions it represents.
References:
[1] Al-Bassam, A., Al-Naim, S., & Al-Bassam, A. (2016). Probiotics in Food: A Review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 8(Suppl 1), S109-S114.
[2] Baiyysheva, A. (2018). Kymyz: A traditional Kazakh drink with health benefits. The Astana Times. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2018/07/kymyz-a-traditional-kazakh-drink-with-health-benefits/
[3] Kymyz. (n.d.). In Encyclopaedia of Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.encyclopediaofkazakhstan.com/content/food/kymyz
[4] Omarova, A. (2017). The ancient art of making kymyz. The Astana Times. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2017/07/the-ancient-art-of-making-kymyz/
- At the festival, kymyz was celebrated not only for its unique flavor and traditional significance but also for its health benefits, as a probiotic-rich beverage known to boost immune system function and improve digestion.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and food-and-drink, kymyz has become a popular topic due to its numerous nutritional advantages, with benefits that span from fortifying gut health to treating ailments like diabetes and respiratory conditions. Similarly, lifestyle enthusiasts might appreciate the traditional production methods associated with kymyz, offering insights into authentic Central Asian culture and heritage.
