Mongols very much prefer urum and aaruul among milk products. The people enjoy eating the above-mentioned products for lunch in summer and autumn. During the lactation period of animals which lasts approximately 6 months, the Mongolians prepare and store dairy products for the winter. Tea with milk is appreciated and loved by everybody, in any season of the year. If anyone visits a family, he is offered tea first.
Tea is drunk at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it is an essential part of the daily diet.
Over centuries of tea drinking in Mongolia, lots of brewing recipes have appeared, reflecting national distinctions, and influenced by the cattle-breeder's nomadic life and long standing traditions in cookery. Many Mongolians like flour tea to which are added butter, milk and salt. This thick beverage is as nourishing as soup or porridge. In summer and autumn seasons people love to drink airag or fermented mare's milk. It is kept in bag made of cow's skin or in a wooden vessel.