(Source：press.idoican.com.cn) 

During Major Snow, the Mongolians kill their surplus sheep and cattle to sell or eat. One reason is to reduce the pressures caused by too many sheep in winter; the other is to prepare food for the winter. In the period around Major Snow, lamb or beef is more delicious than usual, and easy to keep.

The method that the Mongolians use to kill sheep is very scientific and humane. Instead of beheading them as some people do, they cut a three-or-four-inch-long hole with a sharp knife into the area near the heart of the sheep, and then pinch its aorta with their fingers. The sheep will stop breathing immediately without too much pain. Of course, in the eyes of the Mongolians, the method is good because it makes the sheep’s blood fill its whole body, so the meat is more fresh and delicious.

After the sheep is dismembered, the good part of meat is cut into strips, and some salt is added. The meat is dried on a rope and eaten the next spring, when food is scarce. As there are no flies during the winter, the meat will be very clean.

Source: press.idoican.com.cn

Translated by Zhang Min

Editor: Wen Yi & Zhang Min