using yeast cake made from rice mixed with plant barks (Thembra Dimasa, Acacia
Pennata) containing different phytochemicals broadly described as
phytoestrogens, terpenoids, carotenoids, limonoids, phytosterols,
glucosinolates, polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and anthocyanidins. They
have a tremendous impact on the health care system and may invite medical health problems
including many diseases and physiological disorders. These phytochemicals, may
sometimes either alone and/or in combination, have tremendous therapeutic
potential also in curing various ailments.
Table of Contents Traditional Rice Beer Judima constitutes an integral part
of the dietary culture of Dimasa’s Community. The Judima has a very strong
alcoholic content as claimed by the tribe, the concentration which needs to be
assayed quantitatively. The biochemical analysis of the fermented rice beer Judima has been documented.
How do you prepare to make Humao or Hamao?
You’ll need these things to make Hamao: A sun-dried mixture
of Thembra plant (Acacia pennata) twigs and pre-soaked rice. Buddleja Asiatica leaves
are also added for variation of flavor and taste. The mixture of powdered
Hamao is added and small spheres are prepared. Each sphere weighs about 10 g.
For Judima preparation pre-boiled cooled rice (roughly 1 kg) is mixed with one
sphere of Hamao and kept in an air-tight container. After 5-7 days a yellow
color juice comes out of the mixture, and it is called Judima.
Why Judima & Juharo is so important in Dimasa society?
Judima and Juharo are essential to solemnize their marriage
and mourn the death ceremony. Traditionally, new married bride visits her parent’s
house once a year, when she returns back to her husband’s house she should
carry the Judima. The traditional festival ‘Busu Dima‘ of Dimasa is celebrated
with freshly prepared Judima. In the death ceremony, freshly prepared Judima is
offered to dead persons and also to ancestors. Guests are also served with
Judima. Without Judima no celebration or religious ceremony is completed.
How many types of rice beer are in Dimasa society?
In Dimasa society, there are three types of traditional rice beer namely;
- Judima
- Juharo
- Judi
Conclusion
Ju production is a
home-based unorganized industry practiced mainly by rural women using their
native skills of alcohol fermentation and some are economically dependent upon
this product. The income earned is spent on children’s education and the purchase
of essential commodities. It was observed during the survey that despite the popularity of these ethnic fermented foods and beverages of the Dimasa tribe of Assam,
both from cultural as well as economic points of view, no affords by State
Government or corporate sectors have been made to promote these ethnic foods
and drinks. Even these culturally rich ethnic foods have not been included in
any financial institutions, small cottage industries for employment generation,
and food processing programs. We recommend that the ethnic fermented foods
and alcoholic drinks of NC Hills of Assam should be included in the government’s food processing section to enhance the regional economy, generation of employment, and promotion of the age-old food culture of Assam in the
global markets. The role of indigenous women in NC Hills of Assam in the production
and marketing of ethnic fermented foods and beverages should be highlighted.