Healthy Recipe: Balinese “Jama Juice”

Recipe by Leandra Rouse | Photography by Sam Emmons

Food serves many purposes in our lives—sustenance, celebration, and healing. And as a home cook, it is important to know recipes in each of these categories. Today’s recipe is for Indonesian Jama Juice. A delicious anti-inflammatory drink that can be easily made at home and can support your overall well-being.

This recipe harnesses the power of fresh turmeric root. This ingredient can be easily found in warm climates such as Bali, India, Hawaii, and Mexico. But also can be purchased in most health-focused grocery stores around the United States. Turmeric root has been long recognized for its medicinal properties. It has been reputed to benefit conditions such as arthritis, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome where inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role. And also as a fantastic food based approach to soothing aching muscles and other exercise-related soreness.

Jamu is the term for traditional herbal and plant medicine in Indonesia, and “Jama Juice” has become a popular drink all over Indonesian because of its bright flavor, vibrant color, and well-being properties. Because of its popularity in South East Asia (and with healthy food bloggers), we wanted to bring a version of this recipe into your home.

Using a high speed blender and a fine mesh strainer is the work-around for having a juicer. This recipe emulsifies fresh turmeric and ginger root, along with fresh cracked black pepper to help with turmeric’s absorption. It is then cooked over medium heat to release the active compounds in the curcumin (the antioxidant found in turmeric), and make the nutrients more bioavailable to the body. After simmering the fresh juice, you will add a little fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice and honey for sweetness. Strain and serve. This recipe is for a juice concentrate, and is can be topped off with water if the flavor is too strong for anyone. It can be enjoyed chilled over ice on a hot day, or warmed and sipped like tea in the evening. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or frozen into ice cubes for a potent addition to smoothies. Anyway you like it, the body will benefit from a concentrated dose of plant medicine.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of fresh turmeric root (unpeeled is fine)

½ cup of fresh ginger root (unpeeled is fine)

⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 cups of coconut water

2 cups of water

2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons of honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a high speed blender, add turmeric, ginger, pepper, coconut water and water. Blend on high for several minutes until the root is completely emulsified. Pour the mixture into a sauce pan and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Add the lime juice and honey and stir to combine.

Set the sauce pan aside from the heat to briefly cool. Then using a heat safe pitcher and a fine mesh strainer, carefully pour the hot Jama Juice from pan to pitcher. Set on the counter until room temperature and then keep chilled in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to drink it, it can be served cold or warm. Small amounts can be added to water and sipped throughout the day. Think of this juice as a concentrate and mix with water as needed.

Makes 6 servings.