Allium chinense G. Don

Bawang batak (Allium chinense) is a herb 15-35 cm tall of the Amaryllidaceae family, native to China and spreading as far as North America, with a growing center in North Sumatra. Its bulb is an essential complement to traditional Batak arsik dishes and vegetables, as well as an ingredient in traditional medicine. Bawang batak is also believed to aid digestion, support eye health, and reduce menstrual pain.

Bawang batak grows in lowland regions at elevations of 900-1,700 m above sea level. Rainfall of 1,500-2,000 mm/year. Requires adequate sunlight and favors well-drained soil, suited to sandy, loamy soil with acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil pH. This plant can tolerate poor soil conditions.

• Roots taproot located at the tip of the bulb base.
• Bulb somewhat oblong-shaped, white, smooth texture.
• Stem white, thin, and somewhat reddish, flowering at a height of 20-40 cm from the bulb.
• Leaves green, 15-35 cm long.
• Flowers compound, purple, stalk 40-60 cm long, with 5-25 hermaphrodite blooms per stalk.

• Propagation can use seed from the onion or use good, superior bulb parts.
• Using bulbs: Cut and leave the bulb section, soak in clean water until new shoots appear. To prevent rotting, change the water daily. Once sprouted, transplant the seedling to a polybag/pot or field.

Steroidal saponins, polyphenols, flavonols (quercetin, quercetin glycosides), saponins (xiebai-saponin I, laxogenin, aglycone, isoliquiritigenin, ß-sitosterol glucoside), essential oils.

Aids the digestive system; reduces cancer risk; boosts the immune system; supports eye health; supports bone health; helps prevent birth defects; reduces menstrual pain; treats bronchitis.

• Collect bawang batak roots, then remove any adhering debris.
• Wash thoroughly, then drain.
• Sun-dry for several days until dry.
• Grind into a powder.
• Store in a clean container.

Information not available. Further research needed.