Indigenous and traditional non-animal-based food ingredients consumed by the Nomadic Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples in the Eurasian Steppe in Tekes, Xinjiang, China

The Eurasian steppe has sustained nomadic pastoralism for millennia, yet the traditional food systems of Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples remain poorly documented. Scholarship has emphasized meat and milk, overlooking diverse wild edibles historically consumed, despite high burdens of non-communicable diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. In August 2024, research was conducted in Tekes County, Xinjiang, using ethnobotanical and Indigenous food system approaches. Data were gathered through questionnaires, free listing, market surveys, and guided fieldwork. Thirty participants—including elders, vendors, and doctors from Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Han, Uighur, Mongol, and Hui groups—were interviewed until saturation. Transcripts in Mandarin were thematically analyzed. Seventy-eight Indigenous and traditional non-animal-based ingredients were identified: 62 wild fruits and vegetables, 8 mushrooms, 3 honeys, and 5 edible soils. Wild plants were consumed as fruits, jams, or teas, with tea-like preparation being the most common. Half of these ingredients were associated with medicinal functions, particularly reducing blood pressure and alleviating internal heat. Barriers to the use of Indigenous and traditional non-animal-based ingredients included climate change, environmental degradation, tourism, and lifestyle changes. Interactions between Kazakh and Kyrgyz communities and Han and Hui groups also expanded knowledge of wild edibles. This study provides the first systematic documentation of non-animal-based foods in the Central Asian steppe. The multifunctional use of many Indigenous and traditional non-animal-based ingredients reflects the steppe ecology, and these underutilized resources have the potential to alleviate disease burdens and enhance nutritional outcomes. Recognizing Indigenous knowledge and integrating traditional foods are essential for building sustainable food systems and promoting planetary health.