Spotlight on Traditional Plants at AYANA Farm:

At AYANA Farm, our mission is rooted in sustainable agriculture and the preservation of traditional plant species, drawing inspiration from time-honored farming wisdom and lesser-known crops. With a diverse array of over 130 plant varieties, we celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of our region. Some of these plants have been cultivated by Indonesian communities for centuries, from lesser-known grains to endemic ginger species essential for herbal medicines. These often-overlooked traditional food species play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, enhancing cultural heritage, and ensuring a varied and nutritious diet.

Embracing Biodiversity: The Key to Adaptability

Currently, our global food supply relies heavily on just four crops: wheat, rice, maize, and soy. Just these four provide two-thirds of the calories we consume. In contrast, over 7,000 edible plant species exist, possibly as many as 30,000! Indonesia, considered a megadiverse country, houses many of these plant species. AYANA Farm provides a unique opportunity to promote plant varieties that can ensure a sustainable food system for future generations.

Traditional Foods Garden and Medicinal Plant Garden

Two areas of our farm—the Traditional Staples Garden and the Medicinal Plant Garden—showcase a range of plants that have been cultivated in Indonesia for generations. From drought-tolerant sorghum to nutrient-dense winged beans, these sections highlight traditional crops that have been meticulously selected and preserved throughout the years. Let’s explore key crops from our Traditional Foods Garden, primarily sourced from Bali and neighbouring islands, which exemplify both resilience and nutritional value.

Sorghum: The Resilient Grain

Sorghum, a drought-tolerant grain, has been a staple in eastern Indonesia for generations. Recently gaining renewed attention through national agricultural initiatives, this versatile crop offers multiple varieties. At AYANA Farm, we cultivate both white sorghum for grain production and red sorghum, which we process into roasted sorghum syrup. Its versatility is noteworthy—sorghum can be used instead of rice and as a gluten-free flour alternative, making it a valuable addition for health-conscious consumers and innovative chefs.

Bambara Groundnut: Unsung Hero of Sustainable Nutrition

The bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), an extraordinary legume native to West Africa, has quietly sustained communities across Africa and Asia for centuries. This remarkable crop packs a powerful nutritional punch, containing up to 25% protein, high levels of soluble fiber, and essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and potassium. What makes the bambara groundnut particularly valuable is its ability to flourish in poor soils and drought conditions that would defeat most other crops. Often called a “complete food” by nutritionists, its balanced ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats mirrors the requirements of a healthy human diet. The plant exemplifies agricultural sustainability: its nitrogen-fixing properties enrich the soil, while its leaves serve both as nutritious livestock feed and natural fertilizer when returned to the earth. As climate change threatens global food security, reviving the cultivation of this resilient groundnut could help ensure food sovereignty while honoring the agricultural wisdom of generations past.

Winged Bean: The Versatile Treasure of the Tropics

This versatile winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) rivals soybeans in protein content, containing up to 37% protein in its seeds, along with healthy doses of vitamin A, folate, and essential minerals. True to its nickname as the “supermarket on a stalk,” the winged bean offers an extraordinary culinary bounty: its young pods add a crisp, asparagus-like element to stir-fries; the tender leaves bring spinach-like richness to soups; the delicate blue flowers transform salads with their subtle vanilla notes; and the protein-rich tubers can be enjoyed raw in fresh salads or cooked into hearty stews. The mature seeds, when fermented, even produce traditional condiments reminiscent of tempeh. By cultivating this remarkably adaptable crop at AYANA Farm, we’re not only preserving Southeast Asia’s rich agricultural heritage but also demonstrating how traditional crops can address modern challenges of food security and sustainability.

Moringa: The Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse

The moringa tree (Moringa oleifera), often dubbed the miracle tree, is celebrated for its extraordinary versatility and impressive nutrient density. A 2013 study on its traditional uses revealed that its leaves boast seven times the vitamin C of oranges, 17 times the calcium of milk, and ten times the vitamin A of carrots, positioning it as a formidable ally in combating nutritional deficiencies. Every part of the tree serves a unique function: the pods are abundant in essential amino acids, the seeds contain natural coagulants capable of purifying turbid water through a simple crushing and filtering method, the flowers are rich in potassium and calcium, and the roots exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. In our agricultural ecosystem, moringa shines as both a nutritional powerhouse and a resilient agroforestry species, providing a natural scaffolding for our vanilla to flourish, even in challenging environments, while delivering year-round yields. This remarkable tree illustrates how traditional agricultural wisdom can effectively tackle modern issues of nutrition security, water purification, and sustainable food production.

Daun Katuk: The Nutritional Gem of Southeast Asia

Closely following moringa in terms of nutritional and agricultural benefits is daun katuk (Sauropus androgynus), also known as star gooseberry or sweet leaf. This leafy green, native to Southeast Asia, is renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile, boasting an abundance of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as key minerals like calcium and potassium. Traditionally, daun katuk has been valued for its ability to boost milk production.. Daun katuk offers a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be enjoyed fresh in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stir-fries, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Beyond its culinary appeal, daun katuk is drought-resistant and easy to cultivate, making it an ideal choice for sustainable farming. Its capacity to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions highlights its potential as a reliable crop for the future. 

Embracing Organic Practices: Nurturing the Soil

At AYANA Farm, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond crop cultivation methods. We champion organic farming, recognizing that healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving agricultural system. By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, we enhance our land’s natural fertility, encouraging beneficial microorganisms and fostering ecosystem resilience. This holistic approach yields healthier, nutrient-rich crops and sustains the vitality of our farm for generations to come.

AYANA Farm is not just a venue for growing crops; it is a dynamic educational hub designed for all who visit. Through informative guided walks and engaging hands-on experiences, we aim to share our passion for sustainability and showcase the delicate balance of our mini-ecosystem. 

To learn more about the experiences we offer, explore our app or visit our website.