What spices are found in Indonesia?
Spices such as nutmeg or mace, clove, pandan leaves, keluwak and galangal are native to Indonesia. It is likely that black pepper, turmeric, lemongrass, shallot, cinnamon, candlenut, coriander and tamarind were introduced from India, while ginger, scallions and garlic were introduced from China.
What was the main spice of Indonesia?
Turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander are some of the most-used spices. Lemongrass, lime leaves, ginger, and galangal are ubiquitous. Nutmeg, native to Indonesia’s Banda Islands (part of the Maluku or original Spice Islands) is usually sprinkled into Dutch-influenced dishes like macaroni schotel and risoles.
Why are spices so important in Indonesia?
Spices were among the most valuable commodities carried on the Silk Road. Without refrigeration food spoiled easily and spices were important for masking the flavor of rancid or spoiled meat. … Ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron–the most valuable of spices from the East–were worth more than their weight in gold.
What is Nutmeg Indonesia?
Nutmeg oil is one of the essential oils that are in high demand in the international market. Indonesian nutmeg has an advantage in the world market because it has a distinctive aroma and high oil yield. Almost all of the cultivation of nutmeg in Indonesia is managed by smallholder plantations.
What are the indigenous Indonesian ingredients?
Key ingredients: Indonesian
- Kangkung. Also known as water spinach and loved throughout Asia for its fine crunchy hollow stem and long green leaves. …
- Krupuk. Generally made from wheat, rice, potato or cassava flour. …
- Kecap manis. …
- Kecap asin. …
- Trasi shrimp paste. …
- Candelnuts. …
- Tempeh. …
- Petai.
Why was spice so valuable?
During the Middle Ages, spices were as valuable in Europe as gold and gems and the single most important force driving the world’s economy. The lack of refrigeration and poor standards of hygiene meant that food often spoiled quickly and spices were in great demand to mask the flavour of food that was far from fresh.
When did the spice trade begin in Indonesia?
In the early 1500s, the Portuguese became the first Europeans to sail around the southern tip of Africa. This enabled them to sail to Indonesia and cargo spices back to Europe. The Portuguese (later joined by the Spanish and together known as the Iberians) dominated the Indonesian spice trade for nearly a century.