Kalmykian Tea: beneficial properties and contraindications

Invigorating, tonic, which has a lot of useful properties, while very tasty and fragrant beverage is a tea loved by people all over the world. Each nation has its own special recipes for brewing, handed down from generation to generation.

Kalmyk tea is the national drink of Asian people. Although it has different names (Tatar, Djomba, Kyrgyz, Mongolian), it owes its origin to nomads. It is a drink of Mongolian origin. Unforgettable aroma, taste and unique qualities made this tea famous all over the world.

What is Kalmyk tea and what is it made of?

According to ancient legends, nomadic tribes invented to add additional ingredients to brewed green tea leaves. As it turned out later, these ingredients not only improved the taste, but also made the drink nourishing, revitalizing, empowering and healing from many diseases.

A traditional Kalmyk tea always contains four main components:

1. Pressed green tea leaves. This raw material for brewing is slightly different from the usual crumbled dried leaves. It uses leaves from a later harvest and adds the shoots and buds of the plant. Pressing was originally invented for ease of transportation. During the process itself, a lot of resins are released, giving density to the raw material. In addition, the leaves are not subjected to fermentation, which makes such a brew more useful.
2. Camel or mare's milk. These types were the most available to nomads, but now they are replaced by goat or cow milk. Some prefer to infuse cream. One of the main requirements for the ingredient is the naturalness of the product and high fat content.
3. Mutton fat. This ingredient gives the drink nutritional properties. Thanks to this tea helps to satisfy hunger and helps to warm up during the cold period. Mutton fat is not to everyone's taste, so often butter is added instead.
4. Salt. For most people, this component causes incomprehensible feelings. After all, it is more usual to add sugar or honey to tea. But salt adds to the drink not only a specific flavor, but also tonic properties, accelerating the process of assimilation by the body.

Various herbs and spices are additional components of jomba. Modern manufacturers add leaves of medicinal and aromatic plants in the process of pressing.

Composition and calories

Components used for Kalmyk tea preparation are of natural origin and are provided by the nature with a most valuable vitamin-mineral complex. That is why the drink has a unique and most valuable composition for the human body:

1. A large amount of tannin - gives the tea not only a tart taste, but also makes it a natural sedative.
2. Caffeine - promotes performance and gives vivacity.
3. Catechins - has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects.
4. Fluorine strengthens the immune system.
5. Potassium has a beneficial effect on the kidneys, liver, and strengthens the heart muscles.
6. Iodine improves metabolism and is essential in the thyroid gland.
7. Magnesium, zinc, sodium, calcium - are involved in all vital processes.
8. Vitamins A, E and B - stabilize the central nervous system, are involved in the aging process and strengthen vision. Vitamin K improves blood composition and clotting.
9. Phenolic compounds - help normalize digestion.
10. Nicotinic and ascorbic acids cleanse the body of harmful substances and toxins and speed up metabolic processes.

Tea brewed according to the classic recipe of Kalmyk tea has a rather high caloric value - 449 kcal. This caloric value comes from a high fat content of 33 g and 31 g of carbohydrates. Only 2 g of protein make up this portion.

People who watch their figure and calculate the calories in their diet may find this figure terrifying. But it is quite easy to reduce it - you just need to reduce the fat content of the ingredients.

What is Kalmykian tea good for?

General Benefits

Considering all the long history since the appearance of Kalmyk tea, its healing properties have been tested by generations of mankind. Ancient herbalists prescribed it for curing many diseases, including the ones that increased longevity and prolonged youth. The nomads were not only saved by tea from thirst and hunger, but also served as a cure for illnesses that would follow them in their wanderings around the world. The therapeutic qualities of Kalmyk tea help with such illnesses:

1. Colds. This drink is able to warm even when heavily chilled. Due to its high fat content, it softens the throat and fights dry coughs.
2. Digestive problems. Accelerates the metabolic process, has a positive effect on the work of the intestines, getting rid of bloating.
3. Diabetes. Not only reduces the risk of disease, but also normalizes blood sugar levels in the initial stages of the disease.
4. Diseases of the liver. Cleanses the organ and promotes faster cellular regeneration.
5. Brain disorders. Accelerates the work of the brain, thereby improving memory, is absent-mindedness.
6. Weakened immunity. Its components help the body recover from long illnesses and increase resistance to viruses and bacteria during epidemics.

In addition, Kalmykian tea is also effective in treating many female and male illnesses.

For women

The antioxidant and cleansing properties of the drink have a beneficial effect on the female body. With daily use, the amount of accumulated harmful substances, toxins decreases. And this primarily affects the appearance: the skin gets a fresh look, a natural blush, hair - a healthy shine. A rich complex of vitamins helps to maintain a tone throughout the day, reduces fatigue.

For Men

Djomba contains zinc, which encourages the production of male hormones. Moreover, Kalmykian tea strengthens and supports male power, especially if ginger is used as an additional ingredient. This tea is also useful for men engaged in heavy physical labor - one cup of this hot and nutritious drink can restore strength and relieve accumulated fatigue.

When pregnant

In one of the most important and responsible periods of life of every woman there are not only hormonal changes, but also there is a constant shortage of vitamins. Replenish the lacking supply and reduce fatigue just helps and Kalmyk tea. In addition, this drink has diuretic properties, which helps to reduce swelling of the limbs.

While carrying a child, especially in the last trimester, the expectant mother gets tired quickly, and the jomba gives her strength and extra energy.

Frequent tea consumption is not recommended, since it contains caffeine and other substances that increase excitability.

When breastfeeding.

Kalmykian tea has a beneficial effect on the mammary glands, contributing to the flow of milk, so necessary for the baby. During feeding, all the beneficial substances in the drink get into the baby's body as well. They strengthen the baby's immune system, help to reduce colic and have a beneficial effect on health in general.

The only caveat for nursing mothers is not to abuse spices and spices when brewing. These components can cause allergic reactions and increase the excitability of the baby.

For kids

The strengthening properties of tea have a beneficial effect on children, especially those with a weakened immune system. This drink is useful for children of school age. It stimulates brain activity, increases performance.

Though the Mongolian tea contains only natural components, you should not introduce it to children until they are 5-6 years old. Such recommendations contribute to the increased caloric content of the drink, a child's body just can not cope with the processing of large amounts of fats and carbohydrates.

When losing weight

The rather high content of fats and carbohydrates in the tea is not an obstacle to its consumption during diets. Doctors recommend jomba, because the drink accelerates metabolic processes in the body, removes excess fluid.

A cup of Kalmyk hot tea can replace a full lunch. By its nutritional value and consistency, the drink is very similar to soup. But at the same time, it is easier to digest than the first course, and provides energy for a long time.

Is Kalmyk tea in bags useful?

The constant lack of time in the modern rhythm of life encourages many people to get away from the tradition of brewing tea. Moreover, manufacturers make this task easier by offering a wide range of tea bags. Among the many different varieties on supermarket shelves is Kalmyk tea. Its composition includes green and black tea leaves, milk powder (extract of dried cream), salt and, of course, various flavors.

Buying and brewing Kalmyk tea in bags, the consumer should understand that this drink will not be endowed with the same unique qualities as brewed according to the classic recipe. Even if whole milk, butter and spices are added to the brew, the tea will not acquire the desired flavor and thickness.

Tea leaves placed in a disposable bag are bound to undergo chemical processing, losing some of their useful qualities in the process. The same applies to other ingredients. Such Kalmyk tea will keep you warm in cold weather, but it will not saturate your body with as many vitamins, useful elements and chemical compounds as tea made from natural ingredients. In addition, this drink is more likely to cause allergic reactions, as it contains many additives, dyes.

Harm and Contraindications

Having many unique medicinal and beneficial properties, Kalmyk tea can slightly, but harm your health.

1. First of all, it concerns people with lactose intolerance or allergy to one of its components.
2. It should not be consumed by people who have problems with the kidneys, gallbladder. This is especially true for urolithiasis.
3. Do not abuse the drink and during exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver.
4. People with hyperexcitability should refrain from drinking Kalmyk tea, because it contains caffeine.

For all the rest, jomba will not do any harm, but only have a positive effect.

How to choose and store

Pressed tea is used to make jomba. This type of brew is quite unusual for European peoples, so you should know some conditions for choosing this product before you buy it:

1. Type. A traditional brew for Kalmykian tea has the appearance of a strong bar (resembling a small brick). It is quite dense and should not crumble.
2. Weight. This figure ranges from 100 g to 2 kg. It should be taken into consideration that even the smallest bar seems to be heavy. This is facilitated by the pressing process.
3. Composition. Among the components are green tea leaves, twigs, buds and shoots of this plant. Sometimes manufacturers add black tea leaves and herbs. Additional ingredients should not constitute more than 10% of the total mass. No flavorings, dyes and other chemical additives in Kalmyk tea can be.
4. Condition of the packaging. The top packaging material is paper. It should be flat, without flaws and hermetically sealed.

When you open the package and take the briquette out, you should immediately pay attention to the top layer. Fresh Kalmyk tea has a green color. Non-homogeneous coloring is allowed. But if the tea is too dark and has small spots, it is spoiled and should not be brewed.

Pressed tea leaves are much easier to store than loose tea leaves. It is not as afraid of moisture and light. But it is still necessary to place the bar in airtight packaging after opening it. An excellent solution for this would be a vacuum bag. It will help not escape the rich flavor of tea. Store it at room temperature in a dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard.

How to brew Kalmyk tea correctly

The preparation and serving of the national tea of the Mongolian peoples is a special process. With Asians it is done by the beautiful half of humanity. Girls are taught the ritual of making tea from an early age. The right brew determines whether a woman will be a good hostess.

The nuances of brewing:

1. To make real Mongolian tea, one does not use a teapot for brewing, but a cast-iron or metal pot.
2. The drink is enriched with oxygen. After the brew comes to the boil, the liquid is scooped out with a special spoon, lifted above the pot and poured back in a thin stream. Such a ritual should be repeated 20-30 times.
3. Fat is introduced not earlier than 15-20 minutes of boiling brew.
4. Before serving tea infused for at least 20-25 minutes. But during this time it should not cool down, so it is left on a warm stove or wrapped in a plaid.
5. Kalmykian tea is drunk from tea bowls and only when hot.
6. The mood of the hostess also plays a role in the quality of Kalmyk tea. The brewing process should take place without haste, fuss, in a calm and peaceful environment.

The first bowl is always intended for the main deity of the Asiatic peoples. It is placed on the table next to the statue. Then tea is poured for all members of the family and served according to seniority. The bowl should be served at the level of the chest.

There are several recipes for preparing the national drink of the Asian peoples.

Classic recipe

Ingredients:

• 100 g of tea.
• 1 liter of purified water.
• 1 liter of fresh mare's milk.
• 2 tbsp of lamb or goat fat.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
• Salt.

Cooking steps:

1. Separate the desired amount of tea from the bar with a knife. Grind.
2. Put a saucepan of water on the fire.
3. Add the brew to the boiling water.
4. Boil it for about 10 minutes.
5. Thinly pour in the milk. Slowly stir in a clockwise direction.
6. After a while, salt to taste.
7. Boil for 20 minutes. Stir while stirring to oxygenate the drink.
8. Put the soft fat into the saucepan.
9. Cover with the lid and reduce heat. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
10. Stir in the nutmeg and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
11. Turn off the stove and let the drink steep.

Pour into bowls or wide tea cups. Serve hot.

Recipe with milk

Components:

• High-fat milk or cream - 800-1000 ml.
• Pressed tea - 50 gr.
• Soft or melted butter - 70 gr.
• Salt - 1-1,5 tsp.
• Sweet Pepper - 5 units.
• Bay leaf - 2 pc.
• Cloves - 3 pcs.

Step by step brewing:

1. Pour milk into a saucepan and put to boil.
2. Separate the desired amount of brew and grind in a mortar.
3. Pour the tea into the boiling milk. Reduce the heat on the stove and, stirring constantly, simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the butter and simmer for 3 minutes more.
5. Stir in the salt and spices. Put the lid on and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the stove, wrap in a blanket and leave to infuse.

Drink the drink only hot.

Khursitsya tea (a kind of Kalmyk tea)

Components:

• 4 tbsp. crushed slab tea.
• 30ml cream or homemade milk.
• 0.5 tbsp. fat from melted lard.
• 15 g of wheat flour.
• 2-3 nutmeg shavings.

Process:

1. In a deep saucepan, pour the custard. Pour a small amount of water. Bring to the boil.
2. Pour the milk only after boiling.
3. In a separate pan, melt lard. In the resulting fat fry flour. Before adding it to the tea, it is better to dilute it with water. This way no lumps will form.
4. Boil the brew with milk for 7 minutes. Add flour and nutmeg.
5. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes more.
6. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 2 minutes.

The tea is ready to drink.

Makhta-tsya (Kalmyk meat tea)

Components:

• 0.5 kg of lamb ribs.
• 2.5 liters of water.
• 250g of pressed green tea.
• 1,5 l of milk.
• 15g salt and 5 peppercorns.
• 3 bay leaves.

Process:

1. Put the ribs in cold water and boil a normal broth.
2. In the process add the bay leaf and salt. After about 40 minutes take out the meat.
3. Pour the broth into the broth. Boil for 10 minutes.
4. Pour slowly the milk and leave on the fire for the same period of time. Accompany the boiling process by stirring.
5. At the end, put the remaining ingredient - the pepper.
6. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes with the lid on the pot. You can replace the first course with "Mahta-tsya" tea.

Adapted modern version of Kalmyk tea

Components:

• 1 tbsp each of coarse leaf black and green tea.
• 9% milk - 1 liter.
• Butter sweet-cream - 50 gr.
• Ginger root.
• Sweet peppers - 3 pcs.
• Salt.

Process:

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan or pot. Warm it up a bit and add the tea leaves.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Stir in the butter. Reduce heat to low and simmer for ¼ hour.
4. Grate some ginger and add to the brew.
5. Later add salt and pepper. Cook for no more than 5 minutes.
6. Allow to infuse and you can proceed to tea.

To improve the taste, it is recommended to add a little honey.

How to make the drink more healthy

Traditionally, Kalmyk tea is flavored with various spices and herbs. These ingredients not only give the drink an aroma and a unique taste, but also make it more useful.

1. Ginger root, cloves are recommended to add in the cold season. They in combination with other components make the tea the best remedy in the fight against colds, as well as alleviate coughs. Ginger is also good for men's health.
2. To improve the immune system, raisins, a little nutmeg, dried rosehips should be added to the tea.
3. Kalmyk tea combined with a mixture of peppers becomes an excellent remedy in the fight against rheumatism.
4. Sprigs of raspberries, currants, black ground pepper - these additives turn Kalmykian tea into a natural expectorant.
5. Bitter almonds are used for poisonings and to improve the elimination of toxins from the body. Not only crushed nuts, but also leaves from this tree can be added to jomba.
6. Additional components - bay leaf, cloves - increase work capacity as well as brain activity.
7. With constipation and accumulation of gas in the intestines in Kalmyk tea is better to add black pepper (peas) and nutmeg.

Interesting facts

1. The Parliament of Kalmykia in 2011 established a national holiday - Kalmyk Tea Day. It is celebrated annually in May (third Saturday).
2. When brewing tea it is necessary to stir it from left to right (according to the movement of the sun).
3. The first bowl is always intended for burkhan.
4. Before the beginning of the tea party the head of the family always makes a speech. It includes words of thanks to the deities, tea, and good wishes to all the people at the table. A special set of tableware is set aside for the tea ceremony. Getting to the morning tea ceremony is considered the key to a successful day.

Photo of Kalmyk tea