Kazakhstan, a vast and diverse Central Asian country, is home to a peculiar and fascinating tradition that might astonish many outsiders of the practice of eating rocks as snacks. In this country, rocks are packaged and sold at supermarkets. Families even serve rocks as part of their meals at dinner.
Known as ” tuzbaryn, ” which translates to ” eating stones” in Kazakh, this age- old tradition is primarily found in the southern regions of the country, where the landscape is dotted with small, smooth stones rich in minerals. This clay is not like any clay thanks to its monolithic and dense structure. For soil-eating amateurs this clay is great as it does not stick at all! In the mouth it breaks up into small plates and grains. It is tasty both dry and moist. There are nutty notes in the taste. It belongs to Kazakh clay mills. The second name is Kazakhstani mountain chalk.
The rocks consumed in this tradition are carefully selected and cleaned before they are eaten. The flavors vary depending on the mineral content, with some stones offering a salty taste, while others exude earthy or even mildly sweet undertones. Some rocks are known for their supposed ability to aid digestion, while others are believed to boost energy levels or improve overall well- being.
As Kazakhstan embrace modernity and global influence. The tradition of stone snacking has faced challenges in retaining its prevalence. Younger generation, in particular, are increasingly drawn to a more westernized lifestyle, with traditional practices like tuzbaryn facing a decline.