All your questions and answers about jamu.

What exactly is jamu?

Jamu may be a new elixir in the Netherlands and all over the West, but it has been practised in Indonesia since the 8th century. The oldest evidence is carved into the reliefs of Borobudur, and in December 2023 UNESCO added Jamu wellness culture to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is almost always made and sold by talented women, who are called 'jamu gendong'.

More than 1500 types of jamu exist. Each is made with its own combination of ingredients. Most jamu, like ours here at Good Jamu, is 100% plant based. Spices straight from farmers in Indonesia and organic roots form the basis of our jamu, think of turmeric and ginger . All refreshing ingredients with a distinct flavour of their own. But jamu is often also made with seeds, leaves, bark and flowers.

Jamu is a daily ritual. It is not drunk as a cure, but as a regular part of the day, often in the morning.

Jamu embodies balance. Drinking is about finding and maintaining that internal harmony we all strive for by being mindful of what you put into your body.

What is jamu not?

Jamu is not a cure and not a remedy for an ailment. It is a drink you have regularly, for the taste and for the ritual.

Different types of jamu taste very different depending on the ingredients used. In our jamu the main ingredients are ginger and turmeric. Ginger is sharp, warm and a little sweet. Turmeric is earthy and slightly bitter, and turns everything golden yellow. Together with tamarind, lemongrass and spices they give our jamu its character.

We carefully select every ingredient that goes into our jamu, organic and with no artificial additives, so the flavour stays pure.

How much jamu should I drink?

If you're new to jamu, start by drinking a shot glass a day. Once you get used to drinking it, increase your measurement to a small or medium glass. Feel free to add a splash or two of water if the flavour is a little too intense for you. We admit it, our jamu can be quite sharp, that's because the raw materials we use are pure.

When should I drink jamu?

We like a glass of jamu early in the morning, before coffee or instead of coffee. Our concentrates are caffeine free. Mix a splash with still or sparkling water and drink it cold or warm.

Can I use jamu to make other drinks?

Absolutely! Jamu can be incorporated into numerous drink recipes. Try adding a few shots to your smoothies . We love how it gives them an extra kick of flavour.

If you have a penchant for a cocktail, add a shot of jamu to a plain margarita or make a not-so-plain margarita and have some fruity, rooty boozy fun! But of course there are plenty of people who don't drink alcohol, and to you we present the jamu spritzer. That's just a shot of jamu, sparkling mineral water and honey (as much or as little as you like). A slice of orange in the glass adds a touch of class if you fancy it.

We know what you're thinking and yes, all the other recipes can be found here.