Jamu: Indonesian Turmeric Ginger Elixir
A traditional Indonesian herbal concentrate made with fresh turmeric and ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. This vibrant golden liquid can be enjoyed hot as a tea or cold as a refreshing spritzer.
Ingredients
- 4 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh turmeric grated or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the grated fresh turmeric and ginger (and optional black pepper) to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the concentrate cool down to room temperature.
- Strain the concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids, pressing to extract all liquid.
- Transfer the Jamu concentrate to an airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
For a traditional hot Jamu drink, mix 1 tablespoon of the concentrate with 1 cup of hot water. For a Jamu spritzer, add ice to the diluted drink along with a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of tamarind paste for extra zest. A pinch of ground black pepper can be added during simmering to enhance turmeric absorption. Store concentrate in the refrigerator for up to a week.