So Amazing Ulam Raja Flower
Ulam Raja: The Royal Herb of the Tropics
In the heart of Southeast Asia, where lush greenery and traditional wisdom thrive, there's a plant quietly celebrated for its beauty, health benefits, and cultural significance: Ulam Raja—literally translated as “the King’s Salad.” Scientifically known as Cosmos caudatus, this plant is a favorite among herbalists, gardeners, and health-conscious food lovers across Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Thailand.
What is Ulam Raja?
Ulam Raja is a tropical herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, easily recognized by its fern-like, feathery leaves and delicate pink or purple daisy-like flowers. Native to Latin America but naturalized in Southeast Asia, it thrives in warm climates with minimal care—making it a common sight in home gardens and rural landscapes.
Its Malay name reflects its regal status: ulam means traditional raw vegetable salad, and raja means king—hinting at both its nutritional value and favored position in traditional Malay cuisine.
Culinary Uses
The leaves of Ulam Raja are commonly eaten raw as part of ulam, a traditional salad that accompanies rice dishes like nasi kerabu or nasi ulam. With a flavor that’s slightly tangy and peppery, it adds both taste and texture to meals. Some liken its flavor to a mix of arugula and cumin greens.
You’ll often find it served with sambal belacan, fried fish, or salted eggs—making for a refreshing, earthy side dish that balances richness with freshness.
Ulam Raja can also be incorporated into:
Smoothies and herbal drinks
Omelets or scrambled eggs
Stir-fries
Herbal tea
Traditional & Medicinal Benefits
For centuries, Ulam Raja has been used in Malay traditional medicine due to its impressive range of health benefits. While modern science is still catching up, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence point to the following properties:
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
