Žinčica (inSlovak), Žinčice (inCzech), Żętyca (inPolish),[1] Жентиця (Žentyća) (inUkrainian), or Zyntyca (inGoralic) is a drink made of sheep milk whey similar to kefir consumed mostly in Slovakia and Poland.[2] It is a by-product in the process of making bryndza cheese.[2]
Žinčica is fermented by the following Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides.[2]
Traditionally, this drink is served in a črpák, a wooden cup with a pastoral scene carved into the handle.[3][4]
Bryndzové halušky is typically served with žinčica.[5]
The origin of the word is the Romanian jintiță, the drink being carried by Vlach shepherds instead of water.[citation needed]
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