The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: Fermented Dairy of Central Asia, Simi Rezai-Ghassemi

Fermented Dairy of Central Asia

Simi Rezai-Ghassemi

If you are fascinated by fermented dairy products, then this is the book for you. Born in Tabriz, in the Azerbaijan region of Iran, the author provides a Turkic perspective on the food of her heritage, setting it within the Central Asian culture from which these products originated. The book covers the origins of well-known dairy ferments such as yoghurt, as well as lesser-known ones like qooroot-said to have fuelled the Mughal conquest and even been enjoyed in outer space. Using the latest archaeological and scientific findings, it discusses the earliest records of dairying in the region and the health benefits of these foods. 'White goods', as they are locally known, were essential to survival. They were enjoyed fresh during spring gluts of milk and then preserved as nourishment for times of scarcity or for when people were on the move. The book uncovers their symbolic meanings and describes their cultural significance in rituals and ceremonies. There are easy-to-follow recipes for making these ferments, suggestions for how to enjoy them, and explanations of how to use them as ingredients in food, drinks, and desserts. Alternatives for vegans or those with allergies are also provided. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in adding simple, nutritious, gut-healthy foods to their culinary repertoire while also learning about the history and provenance of food.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Equinox Publishing
  • Publish Date: Sep 1st, 2025
  • Pages: 180
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 0.00in - 0.00in - 0.00in - 2.86lb
  • EAN: 9781800507012
  • Categories: Regional & Cultural - Asian

About the Author

Rezai-Ghassemi, Simi: - Simi Rezai-Ghassemi is a cookery teacher, writer, food researcher, organic gardener, and Iran food tour guide. She was born in the Azerbaijan region of Iran. Simi is a self-taught cook, coming to gardening and cooking later in life. When her friend's children were diagnosed with coeliac disease and couldn't eat dairy either, Simi shared a few Iranian recipes, the start of Simi's Kitchen in Bath. Somerset. She is a specialist in the food of the Silk Route and allergen-free cooking. She is a regular at the Oxford Symposium on Food. Simi travels regularly to Iran to visit family, research recipes and ingredients which she hares in her classes and writing. Simi's Kitchen has been featured in The Guardian, The Foodie Bugle, Kinfolk and Bath Life magazines.