Ayran facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Ayran, Doogh, Dove, Daw, Çeqilmast, Xynogala, Dhallë, Tan, Chalap or yogurt milk |
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| Type | Dairy product |
| Course | Beverage |
| Region or state | Iran and Turkey |
| Serving temperature | Cold or Lukewarm (depending on preference) |
| Main ingredients | Yogurt, water, salt |
Ayran, also known as doogh, dhallë, or tan, is a popular cold and savory drink. It's made from yogurt mixed with water and a little salt. Sometimes, people add herbs like mint for extra flavor. You might find some types that are even bubbly!
This refreshing drink is enjoyed in many parts of the world. It's very popular in countries like Turkey, Iran, and across Central Asia, South Asia, and parts of Europe.
Contents
What is Ayran?
Ayran is a dairy drink that has been around for a very long time. It's like a thin, salty yogurt drink. People often drink it chilled, especially during warm weather. It goes well with grilled meats or rice dishes.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word Ayran comes from an old Turkic word that means "to separate." This might refer to how the yogurt is mixed with water. An old Turkic dictionary from around the year 1000 CE mentions Ayran as a "drink made out of milk."
How is Ayran Made?
Making Ayran is quite simple! You mix yogurt with cold or iced water. A pinch of salt is usually added to give it a savory taste. Some people like to add fresh or dried mint for a refreshing twist.
In some traditional ways, especially among people in Iran, Ayran was made directly from milk. They would pour milk into a special bag made of animal skin, called a mashk. Then, they would shake the bag for hours until it turned into this drink. This method is less common today, but it shows how old the drink is! In Pakistan, a similar drink is sometimes called Namkeen Lassi.
Different Kinds of Ayran
Ayran can be enjoyed in a few different ways. You can add things like:
- Salt (which is usually always there)
- Black pepper
- Dried mint
- Lime juice
Some people even add small pieces of cucumber to their Ayran. This gives it a nice crunchy texture! Also, some types of Ayran are made to be fizzy or carbonated.
In countries like Afghanistan, Ayran (called dogh there) is a favorite summer drink. It's often served with flatbreads and other picnic foods. In Cyprus, they make their Ayran with sour sheep yogurt, water, salt, and mint.
Ayran as a National Drink
In Turkey, a politician named Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has often talked about Ayran as a "national drink." He has suggested that Ayran is a healthy and traditional choice for people in Turkey.
However, even with this support, the sales of Ayran in Turkey are sometimes lower than other non-alcoholic drinks. For example, between 2010 and 2015, Ayran sales during the month of Ramadan actually went down each year.
There was even a time in 2015 when a Turkish government ministry fined a company. This happened because an advertisement for iced tea featured a rapper saying that Ayran made him sleepy. The ministry felt this "insulted" Ayran, and they stopped the ad! This shows how important Ayran is to some people in Turkey.
Images for kids
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Ayran served in a traditional copper cup.
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Doogh with dry mint on top.
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Dew
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A bottle of bubbly tan.
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See also
In Spanish: Ayran para niños
