In Cirebon, West Java, there is a unique and strange food made of clay. The food named ampo which very nutritious.
Every region in Indonesia must have its own special food. Likewise in Cirebon. The place known as the city of shrimp has a special food made of clay called ‘Ampo’. Maybe for people outside Cirebon, ampo is considered a strange food because it is made from unusual ingredients. However, in addition, ampo has become a separate cultural identity for Cirebon people. Have a unique taste, ampo can be used as a medicine that can cure various diseases.
Surely you never thought that clay can actually be used as food. The reason is, usually clay used to make some ceramic crafts such as jars, cups, plates, mortars, and others. However, in Cirebon, West Java, the clay is actually processed into food. Maybe to others, the food seems disgusting because it is made of clay. However, for Cirebon people, the food is delicious and even referred to as a traditional food typical of the area. Unfortunately, now ampo is very difficult to find and become rare. For Cirebon people, ampo can be made easily.
It’s easy to make this clay dish. The materials used of course is clay. However, it is not arbitrary clay to make ampo. The clay has taken from the soil in the rice fields, in the deep part of soil. That way, you will get is clean soil of gravel or other dirt. Then the clay ground and compacted to a rectangle. After that, the clay scraped using certain tools to form thin rolls. The thin roll clay then baked for about 4 hours. Then the clay becomes ampo and you can eat it.
Now, ampo made of clay is rare. However, there are some Cirebon people who still maintain to make ampo. This is because ampo has considered as Cirebon’s cultural identity. Ampo is referred to as an ancestral heritage, therefore it is not simply extinct. Usually ampo served during traditional celebrations or traditional rituals. For example, at the earth alms event which is often held as a form of gratitude to God. In the earth alms event, ampo will be served as a complement to the offering which placed on the side of the top of the cone. Then, added with chilies, onions and skewered salted fish.
Although made from clay, ampo also has benefits. Ampo can be used as a traditional medicine. By consuming ampo, Cirebon people believe it can cure various diseases. These diseases range from digestive problems, diarrhea, itching and fever. According to research, clay is proven to make the stomach feel more comfortable. Furthermore, foods made from clay can protect the body from viruses and bacteria. That’s because clay can bind bacteria and viruses. When consumed, clay can protect the intestines.
Because ampo is made from clay, many people must be wondering about the taste of the food. The aroma released by ampo is very strong. As for the texture, ampo is very crunchy, similar to chips. When you chewed it, the taste is somewhat bitter, but also delicious. Apparently, apart from Cirebon, ampo is also a typical food from Tuban, East Java. Because of its crunchy texture, many people like ampo as a snack.
–sh
