The Mongol Empire once controlled over 24 million km2 and a quarter of the world’s population. The level of military and political dominance they achieved is almost unimaginable in the modern world.
Many factors contributed to their extremely successful military campaigns, including high discipline, horse-riding skills, archery, and their ability to learn and utilize enemy strategies and technologies flexibly.
However, one crucial element that cannot be overlooked is nutrition and morale for this fierce and numerous army – a type of beverage favored by the Mongols, deemed valuable by society and even believed to enhance mental strength – Airag (or Ayrag).
Airag is a beverage favored by Mongols. (Illustrative image)
Airag is produced by fermenting milk obtained from the horses accompanying the Mongol troops – it is both highly nutritious and contains 2% alcohol – making it the perfect drink for cultivating both the physical and mental strength of warriors.
The milk is stored in a leather bag inside the Mongolian cloak or in a bag attached to the saddle.
The body temperature and movement aid the fermentation process, which takes about 2 days. Once the denser part (mare’s butter) rises and is removed, what remains becomes delicious and ready for consumption.
The invention of Airag and its incorporation into the Mongolian diet offers insights into their resourcefulness and self-sufficiency.
The Mongols are a nomadic people, making them experts at utilizing available resources. A nation that frequently moves and is known for its seasoned cavalry naturally seeks to maximize the potential of the large number of horses at their disposal.
Mare’s milk. (Illustrative image)
Regarding why the Mongols thought of fermenting mare’s milk – it is important to note that this drink is not commonly consumed by humans, and the fermentation process significantly reduces the lactose content in the milk, which many people tend to be intolerant to.
The 2% alcohol content might serve as a “reward” following this process.
As for the flavor and effects of Airag, the missionary William de Rubruquis, who lived for six months with the Mongols, described this beverage as “sharp on the tongue like drinking wine when drunk” and leaving a finish of “almond milk on the tip of the tongue”.
Currently, in Central Asia, Airag continues to be loved and produced on an industrial scale, sold under a different name, Kumis.
In Central Asia, Airag is sold under the name Kumis. (Illustrative image)
If you travel to Kazakhstan and taste Kumis, rest assured that the locals will be much happier discussing it as an essential part of their heritage rather than being asked where Borat* lives.
*Borat is a fictional character from Kazakhstan in the comedy film series of the same name.
