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 long been 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 Indonesia 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 concentrated juice, and 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.
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING):
Calories 40 Cal
Protein 0g
Total fat 0g
Saturated fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Carbs 11 g
Fiber 0g
Total sugars 9 g
Added sugars 6g
Sodium 40mg
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Leandra Rouse
Leandra is a Fitbit coach and culinary nutritionist who has 20 years of experience helping her clients find joy in their health journey. She practices functional fitness as a fitness coach in the Discover section of the Fitbit app, as well as through her in-home personal training business. As a nutritional consultant to chefs, Leandra helps to develop and market wellness products and concepts. Over her career, Leandra has worked extensively with top Bay Area companies such as Fitbit, Airbnb, Asana, Gap, bobbie, Tipsy, and more, to create engaging wellness content and education programs. Leandra lives with her husband and two young girls on the Big Island of Hawaii, and loves the challenge of feeding and moving with her babies.