Indonesian Jamu Drink Recipe
I wish I could tell you that I learned about Jamu Juice while on vacation in one of the most exotic locations in the world – Bali, Indonesia. But that is simply not true. My story is a lot less glamorous but my love for this healing drink runs as deep as the roots its made from.
Hi, I’m Kathy. I’ve been living with not one, but two autoimmune diseases — Lupus and Hashimoto’s — for over two decades. While they’ve often tried to take control of my life and body, I refuse to give them that power. That is how I found out about Jamu Juice. I may not be a doctor, a nurse, a healer or anything other than an ordinary human, but what I can share with you is how this “magic” healing tonic as I like to call it, have helped me throughout the years.
Why I Drink Jamu Juice
- Anti-Inflammatory: Turmeric which contains curcumin, as well as ginger root are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce sore muscles, soothe arthritis pain as well as other chronic pain conditions.
- Immune-Booster: This juice is made with natural ingredients rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support and strengthen the immune system.
- Improves Digestion: Ginger is well known for soothing upset stomach and reducing (and even preventing) nausea.
- Affordable: This easy to make juice is a great alternative to over priced store-bought juices, smoothies and health shots.
What’s Jamu Juice?
Jamu Juice is an ancient Indonesian healing tonic celebrated for its potent medicinal benefits. This all-natural beverage is a soothing herbal infusion crafted from carefully selected roots such as ginger and turmeric, herbs, and spices that are believed to help reduce inflammation, aid digestion and bring overall balance to the body. Originating in the 1800s and known as the elixir of life, recipes for this celebrated cure-all type drink have been passed down through generations, with some variations incorporating ingredients like tamarind and even pineapple.
Jamu Juice Ingredients and Substitutions
For a complete list of ingredients and their exact quantities, check the printable recipe card below.
- Fresh Turmeric Root: This is the main ingredient of any Jamu Juice recipe. Using fresh turmeric root is best if you really want to enjoy the benefits of this powerful ingredient. Fresh turmeric can be found in the produce area of most supermarkets and in any Asian store. If the fresh root is unavailable, see instructions on how to use ground turmeric in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Ginger Root: Using fresh ginger is definitely best if you want to enjoy the benefits of this potent ingredient. Ground ginger can be used if the fresh root is unavailable. Instructions in the recipe card below.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper is used as an “activator” in recipes that use turmeric, and help the human body absorb curcumin properly.
- Coconut Water or Filtered Water: I appreciate the health benefits and mild flavor of coconut water so I use it to make Jamu Juice when available. Filtered water can be used as well.
- Lemon Juice: I only use fresh lemon juice. Other citrus juices like orange can be used as well.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: I prefer using local honey but to keep this a vegan juice, you can use maple syrup. Other alternative sweeteners such as agave syrup and coconut sugar can be used as well.
How to Make Jamu Juice
For detailed instructions on how to make Jamu Juice in a blender or a juicer, check the printable recipe card below.
- Prep the Ingredients: Make sure you rinse the turmeric and ginger roots throughly to remove any dirt. Sometimes, I use a small produce brush to scrub the turmeric root (if needed). If you’re using a blender, slice/chop the ginger and turmeric roots (skins on). If you don’t have a high-power blender, make sure you chop both ingredients finely.
- Blend: Juicer instructions can be found in the recipe card below. Combine the finely chopped turmeric and ginger with 2 cups of water in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, about a full minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamu Juice good for?
Jamu Juice is best known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to aid digestion. It’s also said to lower cholesterol, boost the immune system, detoxify the kidneys and liver and aid weight loss.
Can you drink Jamu everyday?
Yes! In Indonesian tradition, Jamu Juice is known as a daily tonic for health and wellness. I have been drinking it daily, on/off for years.
Storage
Store Jamu juice in an airtight jar, shot glass or container in the refrigerator, for about 10 days. Stir well or shake before serving.
Take a look at these other drink recipes:
Things you may need
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Blender – Ninja Professional 72 Oz
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Cold-Press Juicer
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Nut Milk Bag
Jamu Juice (Indonesian Turmeric and Ginger Tonic)
Ingredients
- 1 cup about 125 grams fresh turmeric root, rinsed with peels on
- ½ cup about 65 grams fresh ginger root, rinsed with peels on
- 4 cups 1 liter coconut water or filtered water
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup or to taste
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
Prep the ingredients:
- When making in a blender, you can grate both the turmeric and ginger root by hand, using a grater or in a food processor. Alternatively, you can slice the turmeric and ginger root into thin slices or chop it into smaller pieces.
- When making it in a juicer, wash the produce well and trim them while keeping them whole or cutting them into 2-inch pieces.
- For all methods, keep the skin on.
Blender Instructions:
- Combine the grated, sliced or finely chopped turmeric and ginger with 2 cups of water in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, about a full minute.
- Transfer the juice to a small pot or saucepan and add the remaining coconut water/filtered water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, honey or maple syrup and the black pepper. Mix to combine.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or nut-milk sack or muslim cloth into a bowl. Pour the strained juice into a glass jar or pitcher. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Juicer instructions:
- Check your juicer manufacturer’s instructions before you start operating it.
- With the motor running, feed the turmeric and ginger roots into the juicer, catching the juices in a bowl. Transfer juice to a small pot or saucepan. Follow instructions as written above.
Notes
- Jamu juice is usually served in small amounts (small cups or shot glasses).
- If the flavor is too strong, you can dilute the juice with more coconut water, fruit juice or water.
- Add a cinnamon stick to the pot and allow to simmer.
- This recipe can be made in a high-power blender (preferably), food processor or a juicer.
- Although I prefer using fresh ginger and turmeric to make this recipe, if using ground spices, I suggest you start with about 2 teaspoons of each spice and go from there.
- Store in an airtight jar, shot glass or container in the refrigerator, for about 10 days. Stir well or shake before serving.
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