Ancient Eridu's Ingenious Irrigation System Uncovered by Archaeologists

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3,600-Year-Old Mummies in Tarim Basin Found to Have Kefir Cheese on Their Heads

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A new analysis has confirmed that the substance found smeared on the heads and necks of 3,600-year-old mummies in the Tarim Basin is kefir cheese, according to a Gizmodo report. This dairy product, made using yeast and probiotic bacteria to separate curds and whey, was found to contain cow and goat DNA, confirming its origin.

"This is the oldest known cheese sample ever discovered in the world," said Qiaomei Fu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study also identified bacterial and fungal species in the sample that are commonly found in modern kefir products, particularly those from Tibet. Fu further explained, "Our observation suggests kefir culture has been maintained in Northwestern China’s Xinjiang region since the Bronze Age."

To read the original scholarly article about this research, check out Cell.