Depending on region, barley, wheat, or corn may be used; spices can also be added. Dried and ground shiny-leaf buckthorn leaves are used for fermentation.
The type of grain employed varies by region, with options including oats, rye, or rice, as well as the addition of spices. Buckthorn leaves, specifically those that have been dried and ground into a fine powder, serve as a key ingredient in the fermentation process.