Homemade Jamu: Ginger Turmeric Drink
Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This recipe creates a potent concentrate from fresh turmeric and ginger, perfect for enjoying as a warm tea or a cool, refreshing spritzer.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 0.5 cup fresh ground turmeric finely grated
- 2 tbsp ginger powder
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tbsp lime juice for serving (optional)
- 1 tsp tamarind paste for serving (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the finely grated fresh ground turmeric, ginger powder, and a pinch of black pepper to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and concentrate.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Strain the Jamu concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid. Discard the solids.
- To enjoy as a hot tea, mix 1 tablespoon of the Jamu Concentrate with a cup of hot water. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- To make a refreshing Jamu spritzer, pour 1 tablespoon of the concentrate into a glass filled with ice. Top with still or sparkling water and a squeeze of lime juice or a spoonful of tamarind paste for extra zest.
Notes
For a sweeter Jamu, add honey, maple syrup, or palm sugar to taste. You can store the concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For an extra immune boost, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper during simmering. Experiment with different ratios of lime or tamarind for varying tartness in your spritzer.