Es Buah
Es Buah is a dessert from Indonesia. It involves combining various types of fruits, cut into small pieces, with ice cubes or shaved ice, then soaking them in syrup or colorful sweet liquids. Its an easy-to-make dessert that is highly popular, offering instant refreshment upon consumption.
Ingredients and Key Characteristics of Es Buah
The fruits used are not limited to any specific type; they can include both seasonal local fruits and imported ones. Additionally, other ingredients are often added, especially coconut jelly, various flavored jellies, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and basil seeds, to enhance the flavor and provide diverse textures in one bowl.
The term Es Buah literally means Ice Fruit and it is also known as Sop Buah, which translates to Fruit Soup, perfectly describing its appearance as fruits submerged in liquid. Furthermore, Es Buah bears similarities to other Indonesian dishes such as Es Campur, a shaved ice dessert with fruits and other toppings, and Es Teler, which specifically features avocado, coconut, and coconut milk.
Significance in Indonesian Daily Life
Es Buah holds significant importance in the daily lives of Indonesians, particularly during Ramadan (the month of fasting for Muslims). This dish is commonly consumed during Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast each day of Ramadan. It is a light and easy-to-digest dish, rich in natural sugars from fruits, making it ideal for replenishing energy after a day of fasting.
Popular Fruits and Regional Es Buah Variations
Indonesia boasts an abundance of local fruits, thanks to its hot and humid climate and volcanic soil in many areas, making it a fertile ground for numerous famous tropical fruits. While fruits for Es Buah can be chosen freely, some local fruits are especially popular, such as mangosteen, mango, rambutan, jackfruit, and dragon fruit. There is also a strong preference for several imported fruits, particularly Honeydew melon, which, despite being foreign, is widely cultivated domestically. Other fruits include avocado, pineapple, various berries, kiwi, peach, watermelon, and grapes, all of which are refreshing and perfect to enjoy with ice.
Es Buah is not confined to any specific region in Indonesia but may be presented to highlight local fruits. For instance, Es Buah Krai from Banyuwangi features Krai, a local cucumber with a unique aroma, commonly used in desserts and drinks. When preparing Es Buah Krai, no other fruits are typically added, but lime juice, jelly, and basil seeds might be included to enhance the flavor. Today, Es Buah is a widespread dessert throughout Indonesia, available in general stores, restaurants, and commonly prepared for family consumption or social gatherings.
