Ayran – what is it, useful properties of a fermented milk drink, recipes for cooking at home

The content of the article

• What is ayran
• What are they made of
• History of the drink
• Ayran Composition and Nutrition Facts
• Calorie content
• The taste of fermented milk drink
• What is Ayran useful for?
• Healing properties
• Ayran Application
• In cooking
• When losing weight
• For medicinal purposes
• How to make Ayran at home
• Classic recipe
• Turkish Ayran
• Kefir Ayran Recipe
• How to use
• Ayran with cilantro and basil
• Okroshka on ayran
• Sweet pastries
• Harm and contraindications

Among the eastern peoples, fermented milk drink Ayran is very popular. Every sip of this miracle drink invigorates, refreshes, and improves mood. Due to the effects of the healing fluid in cold weather, the body’s immune defense begins to increase, which helps in the fight against many ailments. Health Milk Elixir can be bought at the store or made at home.

What is ayran

Widespread in the national cuisine of the peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia received ayran (ayran). Such a drink is used not only to quench thirst and saturate the body, but also for medicinal purposes. Ayran is a fermented milk drink based on milk and yeast. Today the product can be found ready-made on store shelves or made independently using step-by-step recipes.

What are they made of

By tradition, Kazakhs and Turks use goat, cow or sheep’s milk as the basis. Special starter cultures are added to the selected liquid. Both ingredients are diluted with spring water in a specific proportion. Before serving, ice is added to the drink. If the drink was prepared in advance, the liquid should be shaken before drinking. You can make a useful remedy at home on the basis of whole milk with the addition of kefir, sour cream, yogurt or special sourdough with Bulgarian stick, yeast, thermophilic streptococcus (streptococcus thermophilus).

History of the drink

The product gained fame about XV centuries ago. Ayran was a favorite drink of the people of Kerkinitida in ancient Greece. Then the recipe for white fluid, which was effective in quenching thirst and treating certain diseases, went to the nomads. During the period of the Great Migration of Nations, nutritious drinking, which retained its beneficial properties for a long time, was necessary for people in order to survive the difficulties of wanderings.

Highlanders who lived in ancient times carefully guarded the recipe for an elixir of health. In Russia, according to legend, the healing drink of Caucasian centenarians appeared thanks to a girl who agreed to become the wife of an Armenian prince in exchange for a wineskin with valuable leaven. Industrial production began at the end of the 20th century. The store version resembles the original one only remotely; each housewife can try to prepare the healing liquid in her own kitchen.

Ayran Composition and Nutrition Facts

The classic composition includes katyk (boiled sour milk) and suzma (whey, which is formed after separation of yogurt). The drink contains a large amount of fatty and amino acids, which are distinguished by easy absorption. Drinking is considered a storehouse of useful micro and macro elements. The composition includes zinc, iodine, selenium, sulfur, calcium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, iron. There are a number of vitamins: D, A, E, group B, ascorbic acid. Nutritional value per 100 g of product:

• proteins – 1.1 g;
• fats – 1.5 g;
• carbohydrates – 1.4 g.

Calorie content

Sour-milk elixir of health differs not only in the content of a large number of substances that favorably affect the state of the body, but also in low calorie content. The energy value of 100 grams of the product is only 24-69 kcal, depending on the density, fat content. Such properties make Ayran an indispensable component of the diet of people who want to lose weight, because eating does not harm the figure.

The taste of fermented milk drink

By its taste and smell, this Caucasian elixir of health resembles a brackish kefir with a slightly more pronounced sourness. You can diversify the aroma of the product due to seasonings, fruits or berries. The original taste of ayran is not liked by many. Those who prefer this drink say that the product differs from kefir in tenderness, softness, has a more delicate aroma.

What is Ayran useful for?

Among the Caucasian peoples there is an opinion that Ayran is the key to their longevity and health. The beneficial bacteria contained in the healing elixir contribute to the production of vitamins and other necessary substances that regulate the vital activity of the body. The main favorable properties are:

• elimination of stagnation of bile;
• increase in the proportion of beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal microflora;
• the ability to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins;
• lowering blood cholesterol;
• relief from a hangover;
• improving respiratory function by increasing the flow of oxygen to the lungs;
• fight against inflammatory processes;
• a decrease in the severity of toxicosis symptoms in pregnant women;
• maintaining the optimal level of water-salt balance;
• rapid recovery of the body under heavy loads;
• increased metabolic rate;
• normalization of the blood circulation process;
• maintaining a normal level of development of the child in the phase of active growth;
• a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system;
• fast elimination of hunger;
• ability to reduce swelling.

Healing properties

A unique fermented milk product is used in medicine for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Doctors prescribe medicinal fluid for diabetes mellitus to lower blood glucose levels, for arterial hypertension, to stabilize blood pressure, and for dysbiosis to increase the number of bacteria needed to normalize intestinal activity. Medicinal drink is used as part of the treatment of tuberculosis, scurvy, anemia, typhoid fever, neurasthenia, pancreatic disorders.

There is evidence of an inhibitory effect of healing fluid on cancer cells, and the ability to inhibit their development. Ayran during pregnancy in the early stages is recommended to drink to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis. It is useful to drink to people of different ages with frequent stresses, excessive physical and mental stress, adverse environmental effects, as a laxative medicine for constipation.

The drink is known for its antiviral properties, so doctors recommend drinking it at high risk of respiratory diseases, people with weakened immune systems. Ayran is considered one of the best tools used to prevent osteoporosis, since calcium is more efficiently absorbed by the human body along with milk fat..

Ayran Application

The homeland of a healthy dairy product is Circassia and Kabardino-Balkaria. The drink was widely used in the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Sedentary peoples prefer a fluid consistency. They use it to improve digestion, quick saturation and to freshen up in the heat. Nomadic peoples prefer a thick product, since it better tolerates transportation. Before drinking, it is customary to dilute such a drink with mineral or ordinary water, koumiss or milk.

In Armenia, an analog of Ayran – Tan is used. Products have identical cooking technology and the effect on the body. Tan has a milder and salty taste. Today, airan, due to its high content of useful substances, minerals and vitamins, is used not only in cooking, but also in medicine and nutrition. As a cosmetic product, it is used in the form of masks that moisturize and nourish the skin..

In cooking

In the east, the drink is widely used. Traditionally, it is used as a cold drink, which helps quench your thirst. To improve the taste, you can add peppermint to the healing fluid. The product is part of summer cold soups. Another property of the miracle drink is the ability to improve appetite. A mixture with herbs (basil, cilantro, dill, parsley) and spices (paprika, coriander, zira) turns into a delicious sauce for meat dishes.

You can use the product as a dessert. To do this, add pieces of fruit or berries to the fermented milk drink. The most successful cocktail is a mixture with a green apple. The fruit adds fruity acidity, softens the taste. Such a drink is best prepared for the night, then in the morning beat with a blender. Combined with pastries, you get a delicious, healthy and nutritious breakfast..

When losing weight

With a low calorie content, the drink is ideal for people who want to get rid of extra pounds. Its use will help to quickly saturate the body, give strength necessary for weight loss. It is useful to spend fasting days on ayran. To lose weight by 2-3 kg, you will need to drink this dairy product for 3 days. Due to the absence of harmful fats, artificial preservatives and carcinogens, ayran is often a recommended component of the menu of many diets..

In the process of losing weight, try to use 1-1.5 liters of the drink daily, distributing this amount into several doses of 1 glass, which must be repeated every 3-4 hours. In addition to the dairy product, in order to maintain the water-salt balance and saturate the body with antioxidants, it is recommended to drink plain pure water and green tea without sugar with lemon.

For medicinal purposes

Mountain peoples often use ayran to deal with ailments. If you want to use a miracle drink for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes, you should observe a certain systematicity:

• For the treatment of disorders of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), 0.2 l should be drunk with meals.
• To remove toxins from the liver during poisoning, you need to make a fasting day, refusing other food.
• To strengthen immunity in diseases caused by viruses, you should use 1 glass 1 hour before the meal.
• To prevent dysbiosis when using antibiotics, you need to drink healing liquid 100-200 ml 60 minutes before a meal.

How to make Ayran at home

Today, this healing oriental drink can be found on store shelves. Before use, you only need to whip and add the desired additional ingredients. You can cook ayran at home. The technology of how to make it is simple. To get a delicious invigorating wonder drink, it is recommended to choose traditional recipes and fresh, high-quality products. Whole milk can become the basis, and kefir, sour cream, yogurt are often used as sourdough.

Classic recipe

The main ingredient for a miracle drink made at home is high-quality whole milk, which is recommended to boil. Sour cream, yogurt or kefir can act as a starter culture. The classic recipe will help you make a tasty, healthy drink that supports the body in good shape, in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• whole milk – 0.88 l;
• sourdough – 160 g.

Cooking method:

1. Pour milk into the pan and bring to a boil. Cool the liquid at room temperature.
2. Add the starter to your taste, mix well.
3. Pour the resulting liquid into a container of ceramic or glass under a tightly closed lid, soak for 5-6 hours.

Turkish Ayran

A fresh, aromatic fermented milk drink with a rich taste can be prepared according to the Turkish recipe. Ayran is ideal for quenching thirst, gives vitality, and has a beneficial effect on mood. In Turkey, they consider the product a great addition to meat dishes: it emphasizes their taste, helps to normalize the digestion of heavy foods. In combination with herbs can be used as a sauce.

Ingredients:

• cucumber – 1 pc.;
• water (regular or mineral) – 150 ml;
• natural yogurt – 0.75 l;
• salt – 1 tsp;
• olive oil – to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Inside a deep dish, you need to beat the water with yogurt for 30 seconds. When mixing, add salt.
2. Put the chopped flesh of a cucumber, drip a little olive oil. Beat all ingredients again until foamy..
3. Serve fresh by pouring into glass cups..

Kefir Ayran Recipe

In order to make a drink according to this recipe yourself, it is better to use kefir made at home using special natural starter cultures. If this is not possible, take a high-quality dairy product from the store. Pickled cucumbers, dill in the composition will give Ayran a piquant taste, make it even more healthy.

Ingredients:

• serum – 500 ml;
• dill – 1 bunch;
• pickled cucumbers – 3 pcs.;
• kefir – 0.5 l;
• salt to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Pour kefir into a deep dish, whisk a little using a blender or mixer.
2. Cucumbers cut into small pieces. If the peel of the canned fruit is too hard, carefully remove it..
3. Finely chop the dill, add to the kefir. Put slices of cucumbers there, salt.
4. Dilute the resulting mass with serum to get the desired consistency. When serving, you can put a few ice cubes.

How to use

The main rule that must be observed when using – the product must be fresh. It is drunk to strengthen the immune system in the cold months, improve well-being, and eliminate thirst. Useful and tasty are yogurts based on a fermented milk product. To prepare them, add pieces of fruit or berries to the drink. To make a spicy sauce for meat dishes, add basil, dill, cilantro, paprika. Use aromatic liquid and for filling okroshka. The dish comes out especially tasty if you add a lot of greens, mustard.

Ayran with cilantro and basil

The combination of a healing fermented milk product with herbs can bring many benefits to the human body, saturating with necessary vitamins and minerals. The drink with cilantro and basil has a pleasant spicy taste, which will give tone and good mood. Drinking should be fresh, therefore it is recommended to cook in small portions.

Ingredients:

• parsley – 1-3 branches;
• basil – 2-3 branches;
• cilantro – a small bunch;
• Ayran – 2 tbsp .;
• dill – 1 small bunch.

Cooking method:

1. Rinse the greens thoroughly, dry and chop finely.
2. Pour the fermented milk drink into a suitable vessel, mix with herbs. Optionally add a little salt, ice cubes when serving.

Okroshka on ayran

A suitable dish for a summer feast is okroshka seasoned with a sour-milk drink. Cold soup has a refreshing effect, saturates the body with useful substances. In terms of taste, the dish is similar to the usual okroshka on kvass with sour cream, but it has interesting notes of a sour-milk product flavor. The cooking process comes down to mixing the salad with the aromatic liquid.

Ingredients:

• boiled chicken eggs – 2-3 pcs.;
• green onion – 1 bunch;
• fresh cucumbers – 2-3 pcs.;
• radish – 0.4 kg;
• salt to taste;
• boiled potatoes – 2-4 pcs.;
• Ayran – to taste;
• milk sausage (ham) – 0.4 kg;
• parsley and dill greens to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Take boiled potatoes, peel it, cut into small cubes. Put the prepared component inside the salad bowl with the first layer.
2. Place finely chopped fresh cucumbers on top. Next, add chopped radish in small cubes.
3. Finely chop the sausage, meat or ham and eggs, send to the vegetables. Onions and greens should be chopped, add to the salad with the last layer. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, add a little salt, and place them in portioned containers.
4. Before serving, fill the dish with a drink so that the okroshka acquires the desired consistency.

Sweet pastries

Ayran, like other dairy products, can be the basis for sweet pastries. From the mass with this ingredient it is easy to make pies, pancakes, muffins, filled cakes. The dough on ayran turns out to be tasty, simple and easy. Cook on your own at home a manna with fruit filling. Such baking does not require much effort and time from the hostess.

Ingredients:

• sugar -? st .;
• chicken eggs – 3 pcs.;
• dried fruits, nuts – to taste;
• semolina – 1 tbsp .;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp. l .;
• cinnamon – 1 stick;
• vanilla – to taste;
• flour – 1 cup;
• Ayran – 1 tbsp .;
• baking soda – 1/3 tsp;
• fruits (berries) – to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Inside the deep bowl, beat in the eggs, add sugar. Beat the ingredients with a mixer until foam.
2. Add the dairy product, butter, flour, semolina, crushed dried fruits, grated cinnamon, vanilla to the dough. Mix the ingredients well.
3. Cut the fruit into slices, put on the bottom of the form, which is previously recommended to be lubricated with oil. Pour the dough on top.
4. Place the cake inside the oven, preheated to 180 degrees. Bake until cooked for approximately 50 minutes.
5. Allow the product to cool in shape so that the dough does not settle. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving..

Harm and contraindications

The use of the product can bring the body not only benefits, but also harm. Drink should be followed in some ways:

• Sour milk product is contraindicated for people suffering from gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, with high acidity, with individual intolerance to dairy products.
• Storage rules must be observed: a miracle drink should be consumed freshly prepared. You can keep it in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
• To avoid poisoning, it is important to properly prepare the Ayran fermented milk drink using quality ingredients, controlling the fermentation process. If you buy a drink in a store, pay attention to the expiration date.

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