Daluman Ice: A Refreshing Traditional Balinese Drink with Numerous Health Benefits

Daluman Ice is a traditional drink originating from Bali and is very popular among both locals and tourists. Offering a unique freshness with its natural sweetness, Daluman Ice not only refreshes the body in the midst of Bali's hot tropical weather but also contains various health benefits. This drink is made from the main ingredient, daluman leaves or green jelly, which is known for its high fiber and antioxidant content. It's no wonder that Daluman Ice has become one of the favorite drink choices for quenching thirst while also promoting body health.

Origins and History of Daluman Ice

Daluman Ice, or green jelly, has long been an important part of traditional Balinese cuisine, but its origins come from the green jelly plant that thrives in tropical areas such as Indonesia and several other Asian countries. In Bali, Daluman Ice is not only known as a refreshing drink but also holds cultural and historical significance closely related to the lives of the local community. In the past, green jelly was believed to be a plant with natural health benefits and a balance of body energy. Farmers and traditional Balinese people often used green jelly as a remedy for internal heat and to relieve stress, as this plant is considered to have natural cooling effects.

Daluman Leaves (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Historically, the green jelly plant Cyclea barbata has been used by communities in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. In Bali, this plant grows wild in the humid mountainous regions, and the local people utilize its leaves to create drinks. Initially, this beverage consisted only of jelly mixed with water and was consumed as a thirst quencher. However, over time, the locals began to add coconut milk and palm sugar to create a richer and more appetizing flavor.

In Balinese culture, Daluman Ice is also associated with certain rituals and ceremonies, especially during harvest celebrations or special days in the village. This drink is believed to help calm the mind and align energy, making it often served during celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and tranquility. The Balinese believe that Daluman Ice can help cool the body after working hard under the sun, especially for farmers working in the fields.

Furthermore, green jelly has also begun to be recognized outside of Bali due to its increasingly popular health benefits. Many tourists visiting Bali share stories of the freshness and benefits of Daluman Ice in their hometowns, leading to its recognition not only as a traditional Balinese drink but also as a health drink enjoyed by many.

With the development of tourism in Bali, Daluman Ice has undergone modifications with the addition of various other ingredients like syrup, honey, or milk to provide a more modern flavor variety. Nevertheless, the traditional recipe for Daluman Ice is preserved by the local community as a cultural heritage, as they believe that by maintaining the authenticity of the recipe, the meaning and benefits contained within Daluman Ice will also be preserved.

How to Make Daluman Ice

Before making Daluman Ice, it is important to prepare all the ingredients properly to ensure that the process goes smoothly and enjoyably. The ingredients used to make Daluman Ice are not complicated, and most can be easily obtained from your garden or purchased at a nearby store.

Ingredients for Making Daluman Ice (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

To make delicious and refreshing Daluman Ice, there are several ingredients that need to be prepared and steps that must be followed. This traditional Balinese drink is famous for its freshness and unique flavor, which comes from easily found natural ingredients. Here’s the complete recipe and method for making Daluman Ice that you can try at home.

Ingredients:

1. 500 grams of daluman leaves
2. 600 ml of boiled water
3. 400 ml of coconut milk
4. 200 grams of palm sugar
   
5. 100 grams of granulated sugar
6. 3 pandan leaves
7. 1 teaspoon of salt
8. Enough ice cubes

Steps:

1. The first step is to cut the jelly leaves. Then, place the jelly leaves into a container, pour warm water over them, and let them sit for 5 minutes.
2. Next, squeeze the leaves with 400 ml of boiled water. Squeeze the jelly leaves until the water turns green and thick. Strain the mixture and let it sit for several hours until the liquid transforms into a gel or chewy green jelly.
   

   Squeezing the Daluman Leaves (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

3. Coconut Sauce: Combine the coconut milk (400 ml), granulated sugar (50 g), salt, and pandan leaves in a pot. Then, simmer while stirring until it boils. Remove from heat and set aside until the steam dissipates.
   

   Boiling the Coconut Sauce (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

4. Palm Sugar: Add the palm sugar, granulated sugar, pandan leaves, and enough boiled water to a pot. Then, boil the sugar while stirring until it dissolves and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside until the steam dissipates.
   

   Boiling the Palm Sugar (Photo Source: Image Collection)

5. Serving Daluman Ice: In a glass, add the cut green jelly. Pour in the palm sugar solution, then add enough coconut milk. Add ice cubes to taste to make the drink more refreshing. Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined, and Daluman Ice is ready to enjoy!
   

   Serving Daluman Ice (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Health Benefits of Daluman Ice

In addition to its delicious and refreshing taste, Daluman Ice is also known for its health benefits. Here are some health benefits you can gain from regularly consuming Daluman Ice:

1. Aids Digestion
   Green jelly is rich in natural fiber, which is beneficial for the digestive system. Fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes smoother digestion, allowing the body to absorb nutrients more effectively. Regularly consuming Daluman Ice can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
2. Reduces Internal Heat
   In hot weather, the body is prone to experiencing internal heat or dehydration. Green jelly has a natural cooling effect that helps lower body temperature. This is why Daluman Ice is a popular drink in tropical regions, as it provides a refreshing and soothing sensation.
   
3. Rich in Antioxidants
   Green jelly leaves contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are important for protecting body cells from oxidative damage that can lead to various chronic diseases. By consuming Daluman Ice, the body receives beneficial antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
   
4. Calms the Mind and Body
   Many people believe that Daluman Ice has a calming effect on both the body and mind. The cooling effect of green jelly and the natural sweetness of palm sugar are thought to help reduce stress and provide relaxation. This drink is perfect to enjoy after a long day of activities, offering a sense of calm and refreshment.
   
5. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
   For diabetics, consuming fiber-rich drinks like Daluman Ice can help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. The fiber in green jelly helps control blood sugar spikes, although the palm sugar used should be in limited amounts to keep blood sugar levels stable.
   
6. Maintains Body Fluid Balance
   In hot tropical weather, the body needs adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. With its main composition of water, jelly, and ice, Daluman Ice helps maintain fluid balance in the body, keeping you hydrated and feeling fresh throughout the day.
   

Daluman Ice is not just a thirst-quencher but also a drink with numerous natural health benefits. From aiding digestion and reducing internal heat to providing relaxation effects, this traditional beverage has become an inseparable part of Balinese culture. If you visit Bali, don't miss the opportunity to taste Daluman Ice and experience its health benefits. If you're not in Bali, this drink is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Enjoy its freshness and feel the benefits of Daluman Ice in every sip