Yogurt

Traditional Armenian matsun or Georgian matsoni is a fermented milk product popularly called "drink of youth and beauty. " It is no coincidence that fermented milk received this name. The researchers found that when preparing matsoni, useful milk bacteria are produced, which have a positive general strengthening and tonic effect on the entire human body as a whole.

Matsoni drink is widely consumed in the countries of the Caucasus region, as well as in Asia and the Middle East. The matzoni drink is made from cow's, goat's or sheep's milk. The drink matsoni received its distinctive name thanks to the Armenian word մածուն, which means "matsun" or sour milk. Interestingly, the first drink of matsoni, without knowing it, was made by people at the dawn of their existence.

Matsun turned out by chance when the hostess poured fresh still warm steamed milk into the dishes, where there was previously rustic milk. Sour milk was combined with fresh milk and a new fermented milk drink was obtained, which was stored in the stomachs of animals. Rennet was released into the dried milk, and people learned about the existence of cheese.

The first recipe for making matsoni dates back to the 17th century, when the highlanders who inhabited the Caucasus learned to make a healing drink. Moreover, even then, people knew about most of the useful properties of matsoni and carefully guarded the secret of preparing a medicinal fermented milk drink. Ancient traditions said that the benefits of matsoni are great, because people who drink this drink every day do not age for a long time and retain vitality.

The Benefits of Matsoni

There is some truth to this legend. After all, just once seeing the mountain elder, who in his 90s will give odds to the young, you begin to think and believe in the useful and healing properties of matsoni. Moreover, the fact of the influence of matsoni on the life expectancy of a person has been scientifically proven. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the scientist Mechnikov found that almost all centenarians of Russia (over 100 years old) used matsoni every day throughout their lives.

Doctors argue that the main benefit of matsoni lies in the composition of a fermented milk drink, in which natural microorganisms are present that can fight the impact of harmful bacteria and viruses on the human body. The drink is rich in vitamins of group A, V2 and PP. Matsoni, as well as milk, contains large amounts of calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus.

Matsoni is eaten not only as a healthy sour-milk drink. The product is added to soups and is mandatory in khachapuri dough. In the Caucasus, okroshka is prepared with matsoni, which is diluted with water. Often, instead of sour cream, highlanders use matsoni.