Local knowledge on the utilization of Bilongkiang (Zingiber sp.) in Solok Regency, West Sumatera.

Bilongkiang is a wild species from the Zingiberaceae family consumed by local people as food, hence commonly traded in the traditional market and only found in two locations in Solok Regency. The objective of this study is therefore to document local knowledge regarding the utilization of Bilongkiang as food in Solok Regency and to put the baseline for conservation effort of local foods by highlighting Bilongkiang as a functional food. The research was carried out using an ethnobotanical approach. Data were collected through observation and interview techniques, which were then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Quantitative data was also evaluated using the Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI). The study involved 20 informants who have knowledge of and consume Bilongkiang. The results show that the highest cfsi value of Bilongkiangis 48,6 with an age range of 40-55 years of informants, placing its importance at a moderate level. The inflorescence of this plant, that is consumed as food, contains 1.14% carbohydrate, 2.18 % crude fiber, 0.25% total fat, 0.43% protein, 94.2 % liquid, 108 mg/kg calcium and 8.93 mg/kg calorie. As far as this study goes, there has been no knowledge that this plant is being cultivated by the people who consume it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]