Suwe Ora Jamu

I have really enjoyed being part of the Indonesian Heritage Society, which organizes tours all around Jakarta to learn about culture, history, and art.  The catch is that the participants all take turns arranging the tours, which I found a bit intimidating, but IHS has books of previous tours and contacts and feedback, so it wasn't a hard process.  Along with a French lady and a Singaporean, I helped plan a tour to Suwe Ora Jamu.

Ibu Nova explained jamu to all of us.  It is a traditional Indonesian medicinal drink made to address whatever you need for health that day.  It's usually mixed up fresh each day with individual ingredients and taken as a shot with breakfast.

 

 The factory and cafe were very interesting places with lots of art and historical pieces.

Water purifier...very important in these parts!  Have to start out with good water.

Next in importance, lots of ginger and turmeric.

We visited the bottling room with all the fresh varieties chilling, ready to be sold or sent out. The blue one is from the caterpillar pea flower and it was particularly good.

 Next, we went upstairs to the classroom to sample ingredients, taste different varieties, and make our own jamu.  We made the basic, classic variety with lots of turmeric and ginger and a bit of lime.  I thought mine was pretty awful until I added a little honey as well.

Ibu Nova taught us about the plethora of other ingredients that can be used to address all kinds of different health issues, from gas to headaches to cancer.

Group shot!

Plus one with our yellow hands, for those whose gloves broke while grating the turmeric.  I've enjoyed exploring Jakarta with the women from all over the world.

On a side note, this is how jamu is traditionally sold here.  Women ride bikes around filled with bottles of ingredients and mix up whatever the customer wants.