The milk of a mare can contain alcohol after fermentation.
Mare's Milk and Alcohol Content
While most animal milk, including that of cows and goats, does not contain alcohol naturally, mare's milk is an exception when fermented. This occurs because of the unique sugar composition of mare's milk.
- Higher Sugar Content: According to the reference, mare's milk contains more sugars compared to cow's or goat's milk.
- Fermentation Process: These sugars can be fermented by yeasts, resulting in the production of alcohol.
- Kumis: The traditional fermented drink made from mare's milk is called kumis. The fermentation process results in a mild alcohol content.
Kumis: A Fermented Dairy Product
Kumis is more than just mare's milk; it's a testament to how dairy can be transformed through fermentation.
- Traditional Drink: Kumis is popular in regions where mare's milk is more accessible.
- Alcohol Level: Although kumis contains alcohol, the alcohol content is usually mild, especially when compared to other alcoholic beverages.
- Limited Commodity: Despite its popularity in some areas, mare's milk remains a limited commodity.
Comparison to Other Milks
The alcohol in mare's milk is due to fermentation and is not present in other milks like cow's or goat's milk unless they are also intentionally fermented to produce beverages such as kefir. The higher sugar content in mare's milk facilitates higher alcohol production during fermentation than what would happen if milk from cows or goats was fermented.
| Milk Source | Natural Alcohol Content | Alcohol after Fermentation |
|---|---|---|
| Mare | None | Mild (e.g., in kumis) |
| Cow | None | Can be present (e.g., in kefir) |
| Goat | None | Can be present (e.g., in kefir) |
Therefore, while not containing alcohol in its natural form, mare's milk has the potential to develop alcohol upon fermentation, making it the milk source directly associated with the alcoholic beverage kumis.
