Oct 20, 2023
Celebrating Papeda
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Papeda or Bubur Sagu — a delicious sago porridge that’s a staple in Eastern Indonesia and has gained popularity all over the world.. On this day in 2015, Papeda was publicly declared an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Millions of sago palm trees veil the islands of Indonesia, and each year locals harvest it with the intention of exporting to other countries or for cooking —like making papeda. One sago tree can produce nearly 150 to 300 kilograms of sago starch! The crop provides a balanced range of nutrients, including protein, carbs, calcium, and iron. But it also means a lot more to the communities across Indonesia that it's helped sustain for centuries. Sago is still used in various Papuan and Moluccan rituals and ceremonies, like the Watani Kame (a ceremony marking the end of a person’s death cycle).
So how does one make papeda? After removing the flour-like substance from the trees, combine it with boiling water and stir until it thickens. Sprinkle in some turmeric, basil, lemongrass, salam leaves for extra flavor, and even your favorite fish! Now you have one of Indonesia’s most famous nutritious yet delicious meals!
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