Wedang Uwoh (Hot Herbal Drink)

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A. Overview

Wedang jahe (hot ginger drink) is a popular drink all over Indonesian Archipelago. But there is a similar beverage that is likely to be found only in Imogiri, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. It is wedang uwoh that is sold at Mataram Imogiri Kings Graveyard. In Javanese language, uwoh means trash. This beverage is called so because it uses various dried herbs mixed together thus looks unappealing.

Before famous as wedang uwoh, it was known as wedang jahe-cengkeh (hot ginger-clove drink). It is said that wedang jahe-cengkeh was the beverage specially made for the royal family of Islamic Mataram Kingdom at the time of Sultan Agung. Over the time, people started to consume this beverage and added some more herbs in it. Since then on, wedang uwoh is getting more popular.

To make this beverage, people combine dried herbs which are commonly considered useless, such as clove leaves, cinnamon leaves, and nutmeg leaves falling around Imogiri Graveyard. The leaves are mixed with ginger, lump sugar and slice of sapan-wood. These natural ingredients create the so-called wedang uwoh.

B. Features

Like wedang jahe, wedang uwoh revitalizes stamina, warms up our body, and helps cure slight cold. However, wedang uwoh is stronger in aroma which comes from the combination of clove and cinnamon leaves. It also has thicker color that comes from the sapan-wood. It gives warmness to our throat and flank. Soon after drinking it, usually sweat comes out from all over body. It shows that the merit of the beverage is working.

Wedang uwoh serving is simple. Ginger is pounded and mixed with the dried leaves to boil. After the water boils and turns thick brown, it is poured in a cup and mixed with a section of lump sugar. After stirred well, wedang uwoh is ready to drink.

Wedang uwoh is sold around Imogiri Graveyard. After a devotional visit to Mataram Kings graves, tourists can take a rest and savor wedang uwoh. It helps them revitalize their energy after going up and down the steps at the graveyard. For those who want to buy wedang uwoh for the family back home, the herbs are also sold in package equipped with the serving suggestion.

C. Location

Wedang uwoh can be found around Mataram Imogiri Kings Graveyard and Imogiri Market, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

D. Price

Wedang uwoh is sold at Rp 1.000 – 1.200 per cup while a pack of wedang uwoh herbs is priced at Rp 1.000 (October 2008).

Text: Lukman Solihin
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Apri Widiastuti
(Primary data and various sources)

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