The Maasai usually have a drink obtained by mixing milk with bovine blood.; the blood is obtained by making an incision in a cow’s jugular artery with surgical precision, in this way it is possible to collect a reasonable quantity of blood without killing the animal; the wound will heal up within a few days.
Blood mixed with milk is used as a ritual drink in special celebrations or given to sick people to foster the healing process.
The cows are hardly ever slaughtered and eaten, they are usually milked and their blood removed, they are killed only on special occasions, the wealth of a Maasai man is measured by the number of head of cattle he possesses, so meat is never lacking for celebrations.
Blood, milk and sometimes meat are obviously not the only ingredients found in Maasai menus, their diet has changed a lot over the years and it now includes large amounts of tubers, honey and vegetables.
The latter are often used to cook soups and stews.
Nilotic Acacia is one of the most used plants in Maasai cooking; its roots and bark are boiled and what is left is drunk on its own or is added to several kinds of soup.
The flavor can be a little bitter but its healing properties are highly effective. It is for example a remedy against dysentery and a treatment for skin injuries.
Agencies
