Koumis is a fermented dairy drink that is popular in Mongolia and other parts of Central Asia. It is made from mare's milk and has a slightly sour taste. The spelling of "koumis" is based on the Cyrillic script used in the languages of the region where it is produced. In IPA phonetic transcription, "koumis" is pronounced as /kʊmis/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "ou" sound represents the vowel sound in the English word "book", and the final "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative.
Koumis is a traditional fermented dairy beverage that is widely consumed in various parts of Central Asia, particularly in countries like Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan. It is traditionally made from mare's milk, although nowadays cow or goat milk is also used.
The production process for koumis involves fermenting fresh milk with specific bacteria strains, typically lactobacilli and yeasts. These microorganisms convert lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, into lactic acid and carbon dioxide. This fermentation process imparts a distinct sour taste and slight carbonation to the beverage.
Koumis has a pale yellow or whitish color and a slightly thick consistency. It is known for its unique flavor profile, which combines tanginess from the fermentation process with a subtle sweetness derived from the milk. The taste can vary depending on factors such as the type of milk used and the length of fermentation.
In addition to its distinct taste, koumis is also renowned for its potential health benefits. It is often considered a probiotic beverage due to the presence of live bacteria cultures that can support gut health. Furthermore, the lactose in koumis is partially broken down during fermentation, making it easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance.
Overall, koumis is an ancient beverage with cultural significance in Central Asian societies, valued for its taste, nutritional qualities, and potential health benefits.
The word "koumis" comes from the Turkic language, specifically from the Kazakh and Kyrgyz languages where it is known as "kümüz". The term then spread to the Turkic-speaking peoples of Central Asia and eventually made its way into wider use. It is a traditional beverage made from fermented mare's milk.