- What is ayran
- Caloric content and nutritional value
- Benefits of Ayran: 5 Properties
- Harm of ayran for the body
- What to cook with ayran
There are many fermented milk products, and while some of them are part of the daily diet in many countries and are not perceived as something unusual, such as cottage cheese or yogurt, others remain traditional in certain regions and are slightly less known. Among them are kumys, katyk and ayran.
What is ayran
Ayran is a fermented milk drink with a soft, thick consistency and a refreshing salty-sour taste. The traditional method of preparation involves continuously stirring yogurt with water and salt for 1-2 minutes at room temperature. However, this is not the only recipe for the drink: sometimes milk is used as a base, to which a starter (lactic acid bacteria) is added. (1).
It is impossible to say exactly where ayran first appeared. In Turkey, it is considered a national drink. (2), it is also often used in the North Caucasus and in the eastern regions. Now it is known in many countries, and everywhere it is called differently. For example, in India – lassi, in Iran – doogh, in Iraq – laban arbil, in Syria and Lebanon – laban ayran (1).
Ayran is also used as a folk medicine. In Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia there is proverb: “Our food and medicine is ayran.” In case of burns, the drink was applied to the damaged area to reduce pain and relieve inflammation. In case of snake bites, a tourniquet was tied, a deep cut was made at the site of the wound and ayran was poured on top as an antiseptic. The drink turned greenish when interacting with the poison and removed it from the body (3).
What is the difference between ayran and kefir?
Ayran and kefir are fermented milk drinks, which are prepared by fermentation, but their composition is different. Kefir is produced using a starter culture of kefir fungi. It turns out thick and slightly sour in taste. Ayran has a more liquid texture and a soft salty taste without sourness. In addition, this drink has low acidity and more peptonized proteins, so it is considered more dietary. (4).
Caloric content of ayran and nutritional value
Calorie and nutritional values of ayran may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the base of the drink. 100 g of ayran contains approximately (5):
- Kilocalories — 41
- Proteins – 2 g
- Carbohydrates – 3 g
- Calcium – 82 mg
- Potassium – 106 mg
- Sodium – 159 mg
- Cholesterol – 9 mg
Benefits of Ayran: 5 Properties
Ayran is considered an easily digestible drink with a high vitamin content. (1).
1. Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and helps in the prevention of kidney diseases
Ayran contains a lot of potassium (5). This substance has a vasodilatory effect and can reduce the risk of stroke. There have also been studies that have shown that a decrease in potassium levels in the body increases the risk of kidney disease (6). Therefore, ayran can be useful for replenishing this microelement in the body.
2. Restores water-salt balance
When preparing ayran, salt is added. (1), which makes the drink rich in electrolytes. This helps quench your thirst and prevent dehydration.
3. Improves bowel function
In the absence of chronic diseases, ayran helps improve digestion due to lactic acid, probiotics and fiber, which promote metabolism and absorption of beneficial elements. (7).
4. Strengthens bones and teeth
Dairy products are rich in calcium, and ayran is no exception. (5) It maintains healthy bones and teeth and has beneficial effects on cells and tissues that require this vitamin, such as the heart and muscles (8).
5. Diet drink
The fat content and total calorie count in ayran is quite low. (5) Thanks to probiotics and proteins, the drink can satisfy hunger, so it can be a good alternative to a snack.
Harm of ayran for the body
Ayran is a fermentation product, so you should not drink the drink in large quantities. In case of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal system during exacerbations, you should additionally consult with specialists before drinking ayran, so as not to worsen the condition.
The drink is prohibited for those with lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy products. (9).
What to cook with ayran: recipes
Ayran can be drunk as is or used as an ingredient. Here are a couple of recipes that can be easily repeated at home.
The composition of ayran may vary in different regions. The main feature of the drink is that it is a low-calorie and refreshing product that perfectly quenches thirst.
Shashlik in ayran
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs or any other meat – 3 kg
- Buttermilk – 1 l
- White onion – 1 kg
- Sumach – 30 g
- Svan salt – 30 g
- Ground coriander – 15 g
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to cook:
- Cut the meat into pieces.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Add onion, ayran, sumac, salt, coriander and pepper to the meat.
- Let it sit for 24 hours.
- Grill over coals until done.
The result is a dish with a very interesting oriental flavor.
Sugar pancakes with ayran
Ingredients:
- Ayran – 500 years
- Eggs – 4 pcs.
- Salt – 1 tsp.
- Sugar – 1 tbsp.
- Flour – 5 tbsp.
- Sugar for sprinkling – 150 g
- Melted butter – 150 g
How to cook:
- Mix ayran, eggs, salt, sugar and flour in a bowl.
- Let it brew for one hour.
- Then pour the mixture little by little onto a hot frying pan and fry each pancake on both sides.
- Brush each pancake with butter and sprinkle sugar on top after removing from the stove.
The dish with an authentic sweet taste with a slight sourness is ready.
