VANILLA
Vanilla is one of Balamba’s flagship products. The vanilla has the type Vanila Planifolia. This vanilla plant grows and develops in the Balantak Banggai District area of Central Sulawesi with an altitude of 1,512 meters above sea level. The drying process is done by drying in the sun. Vanilla in the Balantak sub-district is characterized by a length of 15-18 cm with a dark brown color and a rich and complex sweet aroma accompanied by a strong touch with an oily and flexible texture.
Gourmet vanilla is commonly regarded as grade A vanilla. This vanilla is relatively more oily and pliable. On the outside of the vanilla, there are vanillin crystals that melt upon heating. There are 100 to 120 grade ‘A’ dry vanilla (6-7 inches) per pound (7.5 per oz). This premium vanilla generally looks attractive. With an air content of 30% – 35%. While regular vanilla is less pliable and less attractive and has no crystals. There are 140 to 160 ‘B’ grade (6-7 inches) dry vanilla beans per pound (10 per oz). With an air content of 15% – 25%. From these product characteristics, Balamba’s vanilla is of the same quality as grade A vanilla.
Vanilla is a key ingredient in many food and beverage recipes, providing a sweet flavor and unique aroma.Because of its pleasant aroma, it is often used to flavor cakes, ice cream, puddings, beverages such as coffee and tea, and even non-culinary products such as perfumes, candles, and personal care products.Vanilla enhances the flavor of other ingredients in food, making the overall taste more complex and interesting.Vanilla also has health benefits even in small amounts. The antioxidant content helps fight free radicals.
CLOVES
Cloves are the most in-demand product. The cloves that balamba has have cokotok and zanzibar types (Syzygium aromaticum). The difference between clove cikotok and Zanzibar is that cikotok has yellow flowers with a little red color usually flowers will form clumps of 20-50 flowers, while zanzibar old fruit will be long round, rather direct short-stemmed flowers when young are green and turn reddish after ripening.
The clove plant grows and develops in the Balantak Banggai area of Central Sulawesi with an altitude of 1,512 meters above sea level. The drying process is done by drying in the sun. Our clove plants have dark brown and shiny color characteristics that have a warm and spicy aroma with a strong sweet touch and have a heavy and dense texture.
Cloves add a unique flavor and aroma to a variety of dishes, including curries, soups and meat dishes. It is often used in spice blends such as garam masala seasoning. Cloves are also used as a flavoring ingredient in non-culinary products, such as perfumes, candles, and essential oils. It has a strong and unique aroma, making it popular for products that require fragrance. Clove oil has antiseptic properties and can help treat infections and reduce inflammation. The eugenol found in cloves can help reduce inflammation.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg is a balamba product that is no less popular. Our nutmeg plant has a type. The nutmeg plant grows and develops in the Balantak Banggai area of Central Sulawesi with an altitude of 1,512 meters above sea level. The harvest period of nutmeg plants is throughout the year. The drying process of nutmeg is done by air drying. Our nutmeg plant has the characteristics of a smooth and smooth round seed coat with a dark brown color and shiny accompanied by a strong and long-lasting aroma.
Nutmeg adds a distinctive warm and sweet flavor to a variety of dishes, including cakes, puddings, soups and meat dishes. It is also often used in spice blends such as curry seasoning and roasting spices. Nutmeg has digestive properties that help reduce gas and bloating in the stomach. It also stimulates appetite and aids digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Nutmeg contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. It helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports overall health. Nutmeg is mainly used in powdered or grated seed form. Although nutmeg has many benefits, it should be used with caution. If consumed in large quantities or used improperly, it can cause side effects such as nausea and nervous system disorders.
NUTMEG FLOWER
Nutmeg flowers are part of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), Nutmeg flowers are actually the protective structure of nutmeg seeds, called arils, and have an attractive shape with a bright red color. The aril encircles the nutmeg seed inside the round or oval-shaped nutmeg fruit.
Nutmeg has a similar flavor and aroma to nutmeg, but is milder and sweeter than nutmeg. It is used as a flavoring ingredient in various cuisines, especially European and Indian cuisine, and in the preparation of beverages such as wine and spirits. Nutmeg has digestive properties that reduce gas and bloating. It also stimulates appetite and aids digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes.
When the nutmeg ripens, the red aril opens up to reveal the brown nutmeg inside. The aril is then dried and known as “mace”, which is used as a spice with a distinctive and strong aroma, different from the nutmeg itself which is also used as a seasoning.
