Jamu, elixir of life for the Javanese

Resulting from an ancestral tradition, Jamu is a health and beauty secret of the Indonesian peoples. Prepared from roots, herbs, spices and fresh fruits, its consumption remains an essential daily ritual.

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In Indonesia, drinking your " Jamu " every morning is a tradition as deep and alive as our squeezed orange juice. This tonic drink is a pillar of traditional medicine from Java; it prevents and treats multiple ailments thanks to the plants that compose it. At every street corner in Bali or Java, we come across an Ibu Jamu  offering in her wicker basket bottles of Jamu in pretty colours, and prescribing to each one that corresponds to his needs.

Argan oil, a dietary treasure

Entered fifteen years ago in European cuisine, argan is a traditional oil from Morocco with almond and hazelnut flavour. It is tasted like butter, on a slice of bread, in the composition of seasonings or in the preparation of typical dishes such as amalou (a spread supposedly aphrodisiac made from honey and almonds). Past its taste interest, argan oil is also very appreciated for its dietary qualities. Rich in vitamin E (renowned for its antioxidant action) and omega 6 and 9, it contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids. Be careful, however, not to heat it to too high a temperature: it would immediately lose a significant part of its properties. To benefit from all its benefits, it is therefore better to consume it raw. Finally, avoid buying an oil that is too dark: the brown colour is a sign that the almonds were too roasted during the roasting phase. The quality of the oil will therefore be lower.

Argan oil, a dietary treasure

Entered fifteen years ago in European cuisine, argan is a traditional oil from Morocco with almond and hazelnut flavour. It is tasted like butter, on a slice of bread, in the composition of seasonings or in the preparation of typical dishes such as amalou (a spread supposedly aphrodisiac made from honey and almonds). Past its taste interest, argan oil is also very appreciated for its dietary qualities. Rich in vitamin E (renowned for its antioxidant action) and omega 6 and 9, it contains 80% unsaturated fatty acids. Be careful, however, not to heat it to too high a temperature: it would immediately lose a significant part of its properties. To benefit from all its benefits, it is therefore better to consume it raw. Finally, avoid buying an oil that is too dark: the brown color is a sign that the almonds were too roasted during the roasting phase. The quality of the oil will therefore be lower.

Jamu, a tradition passed down from mother to daughter

The origins of Jamu remain obscure. Its appearance is generally located in the 8th century, within the sultanate of Mataram, in the palaces of the Javanese elite who are followers of these long-life formulas. There are more than 300 Jamu recipes , using a hundred plants capable of treating or preventing many diseases. Women pass on the composition of this magic potion, some recipes of which highlight the beauty and softness of their skin. Traditionally, the mother of the bride gives her for her wedding a box containing the seeds, rhizomes, cut herbs and spices used in the Jamu. After consuming it on the first day of the wedding, the newlyweds replant it in their garden to carry on the tradition.

Ingredients renowned for their antioxidant properties

There are many formulas depending on the ailments to be treated, but the common core of Jamu always combines turmeric, ginger, galangal and tamarind. Many studies have demonstrated the preventive and curative virtues of turmeric. Cur-cumin is indeed able to fight both oxidative stress in cells and inflammation, thus preventing the appearance and development of certain cancers and slowing down cell ageing. Fresh ginger also has antioxidant properties, like tamarind, and has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Galangal is an effective anti-fungal and a good expectorant.

Secrets of a homemade Jamu

If you want to get started in making your own Jamu, know that it is prepared from freshly picked ingredients to benefit from all their benefits. We reveal to you an expert secret: adding a hint of black pepper increases the effect of the preparation tenfold, by increasing the permeability of the intestinal wall. Its basic ingredients can be found in any good Javanese family garden! Its bitter taste can be softened with a hint of honey or coconut sugar. Good tasting !

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