Exploring unconventional food plants used by local communities in a rural area of West Java, Indonesia: ethnobotanical assessment, use trends, and potential for improved nutrition

Abstract

Background

As one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, Indonesia contains over 25,000 plant species, including unconventional food plants (UFPs). These plants are integral to the dietary practices of rural communities, providing essential nutrients often overlooked in modern diets. However, the use of UFP is declining, with both their dietary and cultural values being undermined. In rural West Java, this decline in UFP biodiversity coincides with public health challenges related to malnutrition. This study aims to document the diversity of UFPs used by local communities in rural West Java, assess their nutritional value, and explore their consumption practices.

Methods

Data were collected using mixed methods, including interviews with 20 key informants and food frequency questionnaire administered to 107 women in three villages in the area. The nutritional compositions of documented UFPs were obtained from literature and analysis. Bivariate correlation was used to analyze the relationships between UFP consumption frequency and potential correlates.

Results

The study documented 52 species of UFPs from 29 families, many of which are rich in nutritional value. About half of respondents (56%) consumed UFPs moderately (2–3 times a week). UFP consumption frequency had a strong correlation (r = 0.70) with associated knowledge (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and a weak correlation with age (r = 0.240, p = 0.015), livestock possession (r = 0.260, p = 0.008), and family size (r = − 0.220, p = 0.02). Motivations for UFP consumption included availability as free food (33%), medicinal value (26%), nostalgic value (23%), and preferred taste (18%). Most respondents (92%) agreed that consumption has declined compared to the past, with perceived reduced availability and lack of knowledge cited as the primary reasons for the declining trend.

Conclusions

UFP use is common in the study area, where local communities value these plants for their critical roles in diet, medicine, and culture. Given their significant potential to meet dietary needs, educating and raising awareness about UFPs can enhance their consumption and contribute to food and nutrition security.

Introduction

Plants have been essential to human existence, driven by practical needs and cultural traditions [1]. Numerous plant species, particularly food plants, are widely distributed and have well-known applications. Food plants include those with one or more parts that can be used as human food [2], covering plants that are directly consumed, as well as those used to produce oils, spices, and condiments [3,4,5,6]. It is estimated that approximately 10% of any given flora represents potential food resources, which implies that of the 270,000 plant species recognized globally, about 27,000 could be considered edible [7]. However, current data show that only 103 species are responsible for 90% of the global food supply, which likely represents an underestimation of the true number of edible plant species [8]. This estimate overlooks many plants with limited distributions, whose uses are either localized or have become neglected [9, 10]. This group of underutilized plants is gaining increasing attention, particularly in response to the expansion of monoculture, and is referred to by various terms such as “famine foods,” “alternative food plants,” “wild edible plants,” “unconventional vegetables,” “traditional vegetables,” and “plants for the future” [2, 10]. These terms often only consider one category of plants (e.g., vegetables, wild, native), which can create ambiguities and require clarification. Thus, it has been proposed to use the term “unconventional food plants” (UFP) to refer to food plants with one or more parts with food potential that are not commonly used [2]. This term also refers to plants that usually do not have market value or are only commercialized on a small scale [2]. Under this broad definition, UFP encompasses native and exotic plants, as well as those that are wild, semi-wild, and cultivated. Even though today’s societies rely mostly on improved varieties, the habit of consuming these underutilized resources has not been entirely abandoned [3]. UFPs have historically been an integral part of dietary practices of rural populations, where these plants are a crucial component of their traditional food systems [10,11,12,13,14].

Despite the prevailing notion that the current global food system provides sufficient calories, approximately two billion people still experience starvation or lack access to a nutritious diet [15]. This issue is further complicated by the phenomenon known as the double burden of malnutrition, which refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition and is particularly prevalent in middle-income countries such as many Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam [16]. Although current food systems generate large volumes of produce, they fall short in supplying sufficient nutrient-dense, plant-based foods essential for healthier and more sustainable diets [10]. As a result, there is an increasing reliance on highly processed, low-nutrient foods, ultimately leading to an overall detrimental nutritional transition [11, 12]. Global diets have increasingly become more uniform, with a 68.8% reduction in the diversity of food supplies across different countries [17]. This trend has led to the predominance of staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize, marginalizing alternative staples that can be considered UFP, such as sorghum, millets, rye, cassava, sweet potato, and yam [10]. Nonetheless, transforming food systems through embracing traditional food practices and exploring nutrient-rich underutilized resources has gained momentum worldwide [11, 18, 19]

With growing recognition of the significance of relocalization and revival of local or traditional food to improve food security and nutrition, UFPs have emerged as a promising avenue [9,10,11, 18]. These underutilized food resources provide opportunities for diversifying diets with nutrient-rich resources [9, 10]. Despite being under-researched, these UFPs often have better nutritional content than the crops currently dominating our food systems [20]. It was widely reported that traditional varieties often contain higher levels of micronutrients, offering the potential to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, especially in remote and resource-constrained areas [13, 14]. Their notable nutrient profiles and rich sources of minerals, fiber, vitamins, and fatty acids, making these underutilized resources valuable complements to staple foods [9, 10, 21]. Evidence from Asia indicates that some UFPs that include indigenous vegetables can supplement the daily diet and be used as substitutes for commonly consumed vegetables [22, 23]. Moreover, not only do they play essential roles in diet, but some also offer significant health benefits with well-documented biological and pharmacological effects [4, 23,24,25].

After Brazil, Indonesia is recognized as the second most biodiverse country globally boasting over 25,000–30,000 plant species [26, 27], out of which 6000 have been harnessed for their applications in food, medicine, and construction materials [28]. As an archipelagic country with over 17,000 islands, Indonesia exhibits significant variations in its culinary traditions and dietary practices, attributed to its diverse geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics. In this diverse landscape, it has been documented that the Indonesian population has consumed at least 900 edible plants [29]. Previous Indonesian studies have recognized the importance of UFPs in addressing the dietary needs of rural communities. For instance, an agronomy study on indigenous vegetables in the Priangan area of West Java underscored this significance [30]. Additionally, a survey conducted among 157 sellers in East Jakarta traditional markets recorded the sale of 140 edible plants [31]. Ethnobotanical surveys among local people documented 110 native edible plants in the Hulu District of West Kalimantan [32] and 86 species in Bali [33], while another survey conducted on the slopes of Merapi and Merbabu reported the local use of 74 plant species as food [34]. Other ethnobotanical studies have recorded the use of wild edible fruits, documenting a total of 46 species in East Aceh [35], and 73 species in Bengkulu, where these plants were utilized for various other purposes as well [36]. An ethnobotanical survey in the Mentawai Islands of West Sumatra documented the indigenous knowledge and uses of various flora elements and explored their potential role in biodiversity conservation [37]. Additionally, in another region of West Sumatra, a comprehensive study documented 85 species of wild food plants utilized by the Minangkabau and Mandailing people. The study also found that both communities perceive these plants positively [18].

The West Java province is surrounded by mountains, contributing to its high fertility and abundant growth of various plant species [38]. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in West Java have revealed the extensive utilization of UFPs by the Sundanese people, highlighting their significant role in nutrition, food security, and income generation [28, 38, 39]. Despite their abundance and potential benefits, UFPs have not garnered as much attention as domesticated plants, specifically vegetables. Although most studies have primarily focused on the medicinal value, researchers increasingly recognize these underutilized resources’ significance as an essential alternative source to address the needs of rural populations [4, 24, 40, 41]. On the other hand, the region still faces issues of malnutrition and stunting among children [42, 43], along with an increase in diet-related illnesses rooted in malnutrition [42]. This provincial struggle reflects a broader national issue, where about half of the Indonesian population suffers from at least one micronutrient deficiency, and one in three adults is overweight or obese [16]. Therefore, with its high nutrient content, UFP species can contribute significantly to improving the nutritional quality of the population. However, certain UFP knowledge is confined to particular communities, and because of its vulnerability, such knowledge diminishes rapidly [21]. In recent decades, West Java has been going through major social transformations, and urbanization, which has caused the concentration of population in large cities, has led to the gradual disappearance of traditional food practices and associated knowledge, including UFP use. Moreover, the reliance on these resources is likely to diminish over time due to many factors, among them were the government’s push for commercialization and the promotion of high-yielding cultivars [3], easy accessibility of improved varieties [3, 44], and the decline in species diversity owing to habitat destruction through deforestation, and infrastructure development [18, 45].

Given the challenges and transformations affecting local food practices and biodiversity in West Java, documenting and evaluating traditional knowledge of unconventional food resources is crucial. This ethnobotanical knowledge is primarily preserved within rural communities that maintain traditional practices. This study specifically focuses on Sundanese communities residing in rural West Java to document unconventional food plants (UFPs), assess their nutritional value, and explore their consumption practices. The specific aims are to

• 1. Document local knowledge of UFPs used in their dietary practice,

• 2. Assess their nutritional composition and potential contribution to dietary needs,

• 3. Evaluate the frequency of UFP consumption, and

• 4. Identify factors associated with UFP consumption and motivations driving their consumption.

Materials and methods

Study area and design

The data presented in this article were based on surveys undertaken in West Java. The study area, inhabited by Sundanese people, is located in the Rancakalong district of Sumedang Regency, approximately 46 km northeast of Bandung City, the capital of West Java Province (Fig. 1). The local communities in Rancakalong District, the focus of this study, are known for their strong adherence to traditional cultural practices despite the influences of modernization and Islamic traditions. Within Sumedang Regency, which is the epicenter of Sundanese culture in West Java, Rancakalong District is particularly noted as a central cultural hub. Historical traditions are deeply embedded in daily life, especially in agriculture and food practices. Notably, a few older farmers continue to rely on the traditional ecological calendar, known as pranata wangsa, to guide their rice cultivation practices. The Rancakalong people highly value the interaction between humans, nature, and God, placing particular importance on expressing gratitude through various festive rituals. One of the most well-known of these rituals is the ngalaksa, which is performed as form of gratitude to the rice goddess Nyi Pohaci for the harvest. This ritual involves the local communities preparing offerings and various traditional dishes, as well as celebrating with traditional music and dance—Tarawangsa. In Rancakalong, the use of local or traditional food plants is an important aspect of special dishes such cultural ceremonies and ritual offerings, with each plant holding specific symbolic meaning [46].

Fig. 1

Map of the study area

This study is part of a broader project aiming to enhance diet and nutrition quality by promoting the greater use of local plant biodiversity in rural areas. The area was selected to address this goal as it represents one of the districts in West Java with untapped potential in food plant diversity [47, 48] and continue to uphold traditional practice in various aspects of life, yet it still face persistent malnutrition [49]. Our recent nutritional assessment survey on the site confirms this official report; we found indications of a deficiency in almost all micronutrients (except for sodium) among women (Supplementary 1). The district, a major producer of sweet potatoes, relies predominantly on agriculture as the primary occupation of its residents [50].

We applied a two-phase mixed-methods approach [43] from August 2020 to June 2023, focusing on three villages in the selected district, chosen for their accessibility and the presence of local informants. The names, altitude, and number of houses of each foothill and mountain/migratory village are given in Table 1.

Table 1 Profile of study area

The first phase employed an ethnobotany survey based on interviews with selected key informants. This survey documented available UFPs in the area and informed the design of questionnaires used in the second phase which was a cross-sectional survey consisting of three modules of semi-structured questionnaires: (1) sociodemographic characteristics; (2) a food frequency for assessing UFPs consumption; and (3) motivation for UFP consumption, and perceptions regarding UFP consumption. The methodology was reviewed by the ethical committee of the Ministry of Health, Bandung Health Polytechnic, Indonesia, and ethical clearance was obtained (No. 05/KEPK/EC/V/2023). The survey was developed to accommodate multiple study objectives and included additional modules not addressed here. The survey materials used in this study are provided upon request.

Ethnobotany survey and plant identification

Standard ethnobotanical research methods were followed to document local knowledge regarding UFPs through field observations and semi-structured interviews with key informants [51]. Using purposive sampling and the snowball technique, 20 key informants who possess sound traditional knowledge of useful UFPs in the area were selected and interviewed. Therefore, it is important to note that our results may not be interpreted as representative of the whole community. We used this UFP list from these key informants in the Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) administered to respondents of the cross-sectional survey (phase 2): 107 women in the area, with ages ranged from 17 to 80 years with an average of 47.1 ± 13.3 years (Table 2). In the FFQ, we assessed respondents’ knowledge and consumption frequency of listed UFP. We also asked respondents to write down if they knew of any plants that were not on the list. The research was conducted in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the International Society of Ethnobiology Code of Ethics guidelines (ISE 2008). Before starting the interview, the nature of the research and its purpose were explained to obtain verbal consent from all key informants. The interviews were conducted in Indonesian and the traditional Sundanese language and subsequently transcribed into English by the first author, who is proficient in both languages and also a native speaker of Sundanese. We explained to the key informants our intention to gain insights into their knowledge and opinions on the commonly collected and consumed UFPs. Then, the free listing technique was employed to elicit responses from the informants regarding their knowledge of plants and the certain plant parts they used. Each record consisted of details such as the local name of the plant, the specific part that was utilized, and the informant’s perspective on the availability of the species.

Table 2 Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and their UFP use practices (n = 107)

Subsequently, the collected data were assessed to verify that the listed plants meet the criteria of UFP in this study. Plants with one or more edible parts that have food potential but are not commonly used or sold and are underutilized in the area, regardless of their status (native or exotic, and wild, semi-wild, semi-cultivated or cultivated), were included as Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs) in this study. Within this criterion, for example, while Anacardium occidentale L. is a cultivated crop whose fruits (including nuts) are commonly used and found in the market, its young leaves are considered an uncommon and underutilized food resource and were thus included in the UFP list. Similarly, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. and Manihot esculenta Crantz, which are typically cultivated for their tubers, and Sicyos edulis Jacq., cultivated for its fruits, were included because the other edible parts of these crops (leaves, inner peel, and aerial parts, respectively) are considered unconventional and underutilized by the locals. We also included domesticated plants, such as Averrhoa bilimbi L., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, which may be commonly used elsewhere [52] but are perceived as neglected or underutilized in the study area. This assessment process resulted in a refined list consisting of 52 UFP species. Plant specimens were collected and subsequently identified by the taxonomist of the School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SITH ITB), who are co-authors of this paper (ASDI) at the Herbarium Bandungense (FIPIA) in West Java. The plants were identified by comparing their characteristics with the literature obtained from reputable sources such as the Flora Malesiana and Flora of China, which are available online at [53,54,55] as well as Flora of Java [56,57,58]. The scientific nomenclature was updated based on the World Flora Online Plant List [26].

Plant nutritional composition data

The nutritional composition of UFPs was obtained from various references and databases, such as the Indonesian Food Composition Table (Tabel Komposisi Pangan Indonesia) [59], the Malaysian Food Composition Database (myfcd.moh.gov.my), and the USDA Food Data Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov). Due to the unavailability of information, the composition of Apoballis rupestris (Zoll. & Moritzi) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce was evaluated through laboratory analysis conducted at the Test Service Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Industrial Technology, Padjajaran University. The study utilized the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Indonesia (Angka Kecukupan Gizi/AKG) [60] to assess whether the daily intake of a specific plant part was sufficient to meet the recommended nutrient levels. The RDA used in this study was derived from the recommended values for individuals aged 30–49, taking gender differences into account. A plant part was deemed to be a ‘source of a specific nutrient’ if a 100-g portion provided more than 15% of the RDA, and it was considered to have a ‘high content’ if the same 100-g portion contributed more than 30% [61].

Cross-sectional survey

The cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather information related to UFP use practices. The survey involved participation of 107 women selected through stratified random sampling. Given the overarching goal of the project, which aims to improve diet and nutrition, the survey focused exclusively on women, who typically take on the responsibility of cooking and food preparation in households. This approach is practical for assessing UFPs that were consumed and incorporated into household meals. Moreover, our sampling targeted women aged 15 and older, as this demographic group is known to be vulnerable to malnutrition [62]. The characteristics of the respondents, including attributes related to their UFP practices, are given in Table 2.

Prior to survey administration, informed consent was sought and obtained in written form from all respondents by clearly briefing them about the research objectives, methods, and expected results. During the survey, individual interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were administered to gather information on UFP consumption frequency, its potential correlates (sociodemographic characteristics and UFP-related knowledge), motivation, and perception of the drivers of change in its consumption). The details of these variables are described below.

UFP consumption and its potential correlates

UFP consumption was obtained from the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The frequency of UFP consumption was classified into four levels: ‘every day’, ‘4–6 times a week’, ‘2–3 times a week’, and ‘once a week or less’ [63]. We assessed sociodemographic variables (i.e., age, number of family members, education level, source of income, monthly expenditure (IDR), and livestock inventory), and UFP-related knowledge as potential correlates of UFP consumption.

The sociodemographic variables are respondents’ self-reported values. UFP knowledge was assessed based on the number of species that could be recognized on the key informants' list.

Motivation and perception of the drivers of change in UFP consumption

Motivation and perception on UFP consumption were collected through open-ended questions. A thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes from respondents’ comments regarding the motivation for UFP consumption, perceived consumption trend compared to the past, and factors driving this change. We compared the reasons for consuming UFP with those of commonly consumed vegetables.

Statistical analysis

SPSS software was used for data entry and analysis to provide measures of frequency and correlation between variables. We applied Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations to explore the relationships between UFP consumption frequency and its potential correlates. Pearson’s correlation was used for parametric variables that are normally distributed, while Spearman’s was used for non-parametric variables or when the data from one or both variables do not follow normal distributions [64]. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests were employed to examine data distribution. In the analysis of UFP consumption frequency, ‘every day’ and ‘4–6 times a week’ are categorized as high consumption, ‘2–3 times a week’ as moderate consumption, and ‘once or less’ as low consumption. The source of income is input as a dummy variable (non-farme r = 0, farme r = 1), and the ordinal variable on education completed is treated as continuous (none = 0, elementary school = 1, junior high school = 2, high school = 3, higher than HS = 4).

Results and discussion

Diversity of UFP species

This study recorded a total of 52 species, which were classified into 29 families (Table 3). This number surpasses documented in other ethnobotany studies on unconventional food resources in the Southeast Asia region, such as those documenting indigenous vegetables and wild food plants used by indigenous communities of northern Thailand [65], Southern Shan State in Myanmar [66], Lao PDR [67], and the Philippines [68]. However, it is fewer compared to a study conducted in three regencies in the eastern part of West Java—namely Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, and Garut—which reported 86 species of indigenous vegetables [38]. Similarly, studies in other regions of Indonesia recorded 85 wild food plants in the Pasaman regency of West Sumatera [18], while [38] identified 96 species found near a forest area in Kapuas Hulu regency in West Kalimantan. These differences may be attributed to differences in the emic categorization of species considered in the interviews and the smaller coverage in our study. The fewer documented edible plants in our study can also support the declining availability perceived by respondents, the details of which will be deferred later. The number of UFPs documented in the present study is comparable to that reported in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam [69], tropical rain forests in Sarawak of Malaysia [70], and in other areas across Asia, such as Pakistan [21], Eastern Bhutan [3], Western Himalaya [71], Far west Nepal [72] and Ethiopian regions [73, 74]. Moreover, the discrepancies in the number of plants recorded can also be explained by the use of ex situ methods—free listing and FFQ (dietary recall) survey—for plant documentation. Ex situ methods tend to gather less information about the plants and their usage compared to the in situ “walk-in-the-woods” method [75].

Table 3 List of unconventional food plants used by local communities in the study area

According to our literature review listed in Table 3, all the species documented in this study have been previously reported by food ethnobotanical research in Indonesia, except for Apoballis rupestris. Apoballis rupestris—native to Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sumatra—was previously reported in ethnobotany studies as an ornamental plant [76, 77]. This present study is the first to report this species in the context of food plants, thus contributing to the knowledge of the diversity of food plants in the country. Furthermore, 30 of 52 documented UFPs were reported in the ethnobotanical inventories for both food and medicinal purposes, including the nationwide ethnomedicine project (RISTOJA) conducted by the Indonesian Health Authority [78]. These include Centella asiatica [4, 30, 38, 40, 79,80,81], Eryngium foetidum [32, 38, 40, 80], Oenanthe javanica [38, 80, 82], Cosmos caudatus [30, 82, 83], Crassocephalum crepidioides [4, 38, 84, 85], Gynura divaricata [4, 38], and Bidens pilosa [38, 85, 86].

Among documented UFPs in this study, the most diverse plant family was Asteraceae (8 species), followed by Phyllanthaceae (5 species). The families Apiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae each had 3 species each. Other families consist of two or fewer species each. Asteraceae was consistently reported in different ethnobotanical documentation of edible plants in Java as one of the families with the highest contribution of edible species [38, 81]. Regarding the different plant parts used, the fruits were most prominently consumed (22%), followed by leaves (18%), and aerial parts (leaves, shoots, and stems). Other parts consumed included inner peel, grains, seeds (including kernels), and their flowers. These plant parts are usually gathered and consumed as vegetables, spices/condiments, snacks/delicacies, and fruits. In the present study, the most widely used UFPs were those regularly consumed as vegetables, referred to as lalapan in Indonesian. These UFPs include Solanum americanum, Crassocephalum crepidioides, Solanum torvum, Eryngium foetidum, Moringa oleifera, and Breynia androgyna. Local people in the western Himalaya also used uncultivated edible plants to meet their vegetable requirements, as did the Chepang people in Nepal [71]. Furthermore, non-cultivated greens were a major source of vegetables in rural areas of Vietnam [69].

Food plants in West Java, particularly leafy greens, play a crucial role in the Sundanese diet [38]. The Sundanese people are well known for their traditional dietary practice of consuming fresh vegetables, known as lalab (Sundanese) or lalap/lalapan (Indonesian) [4], in their daily meals, similar to Western salads. Most lalapan are traditionally consumed raw and typically served with sambal, a spicy paste condiment made from a mixture of chili and other secondary ingredients such as shrimp paste, shallots, palm sugar, and lime juice, comparable to a dressing in salad, a dip or salsa. Unlike salads, which are often served as appetizers, Sundanese lalapan served with sambal is considered a main dish. Initially associated with the Sundanese food culture, lalapan has become indispensable in Indonesian gastronomy and includes all types of vegetables [38]. However, in the specific context of Sundanese communities, including in the study area, lalapan encompasses wild, semi-wild, semi-cultivated, and cultivated food plants [38]. The integration of UFPs of local communities’ diet in the present study, particularly in the form of lalapan, highlights the importance of these underutilized plants in maintaining traditional dietary practices. The documentation of UFPs in this study highlights the existing diversity of underutilized plants resources in the area. Although there are fewer UFPs than in some other regions, this presents an opportunity to expand the exploration and documentation of local food resources, which could ultimately strengthen the role of UFPs in the local food system.

Nutritional compositions and potential contributions to recommended dietary allowances (RDA)

The nutritional compositions (protein, fiber, Ca, Fe, Zn, and vitamin C) of the documented UFPs vary widely among the species (Table 4). Note that, due to the limited available references, some nutrient values represent single data points rather than averages. Additionally, following [23, 61], the percentage contributions of each plant’s nutrient content to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) were calculated based on 100 g of plants, which aligns with the standard serving size for raw vegetables in Indonesian dietary guidelines [87]. Numerous studies underscore the high nutritional value of underutilized food plants [10, 61, 64, 88, 89], as evidenced by different documented groups of UFPs in this study. Their potential contribution to the RDA demonstrates that some of them can serve as a ‘source’ (RDA > 15%) or contain ‘high level’ (RDA > 30%) of certain nutrients (Table 5).

Table 4 Composition in macronutrients (protein, fiber), minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn), and vitamin C of some documented UFPs

Table 5 Percentage contribution of 100 g edible parts of some documented UFPs to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for adults (30–49 years) for proteins, fiber, mineral elements (Ca, Fe, Zn), and vitamin C

The average protein contents in the data obtained for these UFPs ranged from 0.02 to 18.4 g/100 g (Table 4). The contribution of their edible parts to the protein RDA varied from 0.035 to 28.3% for men and from 0.04 to 30.7% for women (Table 5).The inner peel of Manihot esculenta had the lowest average protein content [90, 91], while Leucaena leucocephala seeds had the highest [59, 92, 93]. The proteins of L. leucocephala seeds are fairly rich in the essential amino acids isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and histidine [94]. In the study area, immature fruits that consist of seeds and pods were consumed raw or blanched as lalapan, in Thailand, and Central America, people also eat the young leaves, and flowers, particularly in soups [94]. Other documented UFPs that were considered sources of protein (RDA > 15%) include the leaves of Erigeron sumatrensis [95], Moringa oleifera [59, 96], and the fruits of Piper retrofractum [97]. Including these unconventional protein-rich food plants in their diet can diversify their protein sources, which are currently dominated by white rice and soy bean products such as tofu and tempeh. In Mexico, where the pods are eaten also raw or in soups or tacos, L. leucocephala is being considered as unconventional sources of protein, together with other leguminous seeds [94].

Fiber has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing the risk of various health conditions, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues [98]. The average fiber contents among the documented plants varied from 0.2 to 23.6 g/100 g (Table 4), with a 100-g edible portion of these plants providing RDA percentages ranging from 0.4 to 65.6% for men and 0.5 to 78.7% for women (Table 5). Several UFPs documented in this study have been identified as notable sources of fiber, include inner peel of Manihot esculenta [90, 91], fruits of Piper retrofractum [97], Sandoricum koetjape [35, 99], Phyllanthus emblica [100, 101], and leaves of Gynura divaricata [102, 103], Crassocephalum crepidioides [59, 104], Moringa oleifera [59, 96], Ipomoea batatas [59, 105]. Their average fiber values (ranging from 10.9 to 50.9 g/100 g) were higher than that of the commonly consumed sawi hijau/leaf mustard (Brassica juncea) whose fiber content was 2.5 g/100 g, providing 6.9–8.3% of the RDA [59, 60]. Consuming a 100-g portion of these plant parts can contribute to more than 15% of the recommended daily fiber intake for adults, thus making them valuable additions to a fiber-rich diet. Nevertheless, achieving the recommended daily intake of certain plant parts that are commonly used as spices or herbal medicine, such as P. retrofractum can be challenging as they are used in lower quantities compared to those consumed as main dish, or snack/delicacy.

The information on mineral content in the documented UFPs is limited, but it is indicated that the majority of them serve as good mineral resources. The average calcium (Ca) content in the obtained data ranged from 4 to 854 mg/100 g (Table 4), with a 100-g portion of edible plant parts contributing 0.4–85% of its RDA for adults (Table 5). The leaves of Sonchus arvensis [106, 107], Pilea melastomoides [59] and Moringa oleifera [59, 96] represent the top two Ca contents, providing over 50% of the RDA per 100 g of the edible portion. The contributions of other interesting sources of Ca (15–30% of RDA), such as Solanum Americanum [52, 59, 103], and Solanum torvum [59, 108, 109] berries, leaves of Centella asiatica [23, 110], Cosmos caudatus [39, 52, 59, 111], Crassocephalum crepidioides [59, 104, 112, 113], Breynia androgyna [52, 59, 114, 115], Oenanthe javanica [23, 59, 116, 117], and Ipomoea batatas [59, 105] are comparatively higher than those of conventional vegetables in Indonesia, such as kangkung/water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) (6.7% RDA) or selada/lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (2.2% RDA) [59, 60]. The average Fe contents of the retrieved data ranged from 0.25 to 10.5 mg/100 g (Table 4), with a 100-g portion of the edible parts providing RDA percentages of 2.8–116.7% for men and 1.4–58.3% for women (Table 5). More than half of the documented UFPs in this study were identified as iron (Fe) sources (RDA > 15%). Our recent dietary survey conducted in the study area found that the average daily Fe intake of 107 women (16.8 mg/day, Supplementary 1) falls below the RDA of 18 mg/day [60]. A deficiency in Fe can lead to the development of anemia, which is a form of malnutrition [118]. Cases of iron deficiency anemia remain prevalent in Indonesia, particularly, among women in rural area [119]. Therefore, consuming Fe-rich UFPs (RDA > 30%) can be encouraged as a dietary choice. These include edible parts of Canna indica [59, 120], Acmella ciliata [59, 121], Bidens pilosa [122, 123], S. americanum [52, 59, 103], S. arvensis [106, 107], Emilia sonchifolia [59, 103, 124], Moringa oleifera [59, 96], Gynura divaricata [102, 103], Breynia androgyna [52, 59, 114, 115], and Eryngium foetidum [103, 117, 125, 126]. These Fe-rich UFPs contain concentrations ranging from 3.5 to 10.5 mg/100 g (Table 4). However, achieving the recommended intake would require the consumption of 50–100 g (fresh weight) of their edible parts. The average Zn content among the retrieved data varied from 0.02 to 8.3 mg/100 g (Table 4). C. asiatica [23, 110] leaves exhibit the highest, followed by O. javanica [23, 59, 116, 117], Clitoria ternatea [127], Leucaena leucocephala [59, 92, 93], and S. arvensis [106, 107]. A 100-g edible portion of these Zn-rich UFPs contributes to 41.3–75.1% of Zn RDA for men and 56.8–103.2% for women (Table 5). This surpasses the amount of Zn provided by widely marketed broccoli (0.5 mg/100 g) with its corresponding contribution to the RDA for men/women (4.5/6.3%) [59].

In terms of vitamin C, the obtained data showed an average content ranging from 0.6 to 75 mg/100 g (Table 4). The edible parts of Eryngium foetidum [103, 117, 125, 126], Breynia androgyna [52, 59, 114, 115], Phyllanthus emblica [100, 101], Sonchus arvensis [106, 107], and Moringa oleifera [59, 96] exhibited the top five values. Several documented UFPs are found to be a rich source of vitamin C compared to some commonly consumed fruits and vegetables (Table 4). For example, the average vitamin C contents in the leaves of E. foetidum [103, 117, 125, 126], Anacardium occidentale [39, 59, 111, 116], B. androgyna [52, 59, 114, 115], M. oleifera [59, 96], Cosmos caudatus [39, 52, 59, 111], fruits of P. emblica [100, 101] (58–75 mg/100 g) are greater than that of orange (Citrus × sinensis) at 49 mg/100 g [59]. Other plants, such as Pilea melastomoides [39, 59, 128], Apoballis rupestris, Archidendron jiringa [59], Syzygium cumini [59, 129], Benincasa hispida [130, 131], Sicyos edulis (leaves and stems) [59], Mangifera odorata [35, 59], and Antidesma bunius [52, 132, 133], have also been reported to possess a high content of vitamin C, providing more than 15% of the RDA of vitamin C for adults (Table 5). These plants have average values between 22 and 38 mg/100 g, comparable to pineapple (22 mg/100 g). Although there have been numerous documented UFPs that are regarded as vitamin C sources and are eaten raw, a few of them, such as B. androgyna and M. oleifera leaves, are usually cooked. Thus, it is crucial to acknowledge that the processing of food significantly affects this particular vitamin [134, 135].

Overall, the nutritional evaluation of the documented UFPs indicates their significant potential to meet dietary needs, as many of them offer high levels of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin C. Local communities in the study area derive important nutrients from these plants. However, some UFPs, such as Liquidambar excelsa, Rorippa indica, and Ficus virens, lack scientific evidence regarding their nutritional values, and many of their nutritional attributes remain uninvestigated or undocumented. Limited information regarding nutrient composition is a well-known obstacle to the valorization of neglected and underutilized species [10, 136], highlighting the need for further research.

UFP consumption

The respondents showed varying levels of UFP consumption, with 56% having moderate consumption (2–3 times a week), while 31% and 13% had high (every day or 4–6 times a week) and low consumption (once a week or less), respectively (Table 2). This implies that UFP use is common in the dietary practices of the study population. Similarly, in the Bogor district of West Java, 60% of Sundanese women reported consuming indigenous vegetables containing UFPs like Pilea melastomoides and Acmella ciliata at least three times a week [137].

Despite the common use of UFPs indicated by the FFQ results, our nutritional assessment found deficiencies in almost all micronutrients (except sodium) and fiber among the study population (Supplementary 1). Given the nutritional potential of some documented UFPs, their increased incorporation into local diets could be valuable in addressing these deficiencies and improving overall diet quality, as evidenced in other contexts. In Tanzania and the Philippines, traditional food plants have been shown to contribute to iron, calcium, and vitamin A intake among rural people [13, 138]. In Vietnam, most women in the study population reported obtaining dietary folate from wild vegetables [22]. Indigenous vegetables also contributed to micronutrient intake among women in the Lama Forest communities of southern Benin [139] and rural communities of Swaziland [13]. Additionally, high consumption of underutilized vegetables in other Indonesian studies was reported to have a positive association with perceived skin quality, β-carotene intake from lalapan, daily β-carotene intake, and blood β-carotene concentrations [137].

Correlates of UFP consumption

The correlation between UFP consumption frequency and other sociodemographic and nutritional variables is summarized in Table 6. While the direct and indirect pathways to promoting UFP consumption have yet to be examined, our findings indicate that UFP consumption frequency is positively correlated with age (r = 0.240, p = 0.015), livestock possession (r = 0.260, p = 0.008), and UFP knowledge (r = 0.70, p = 0.000), but negatively correlated with family size (r = − 0.220, p = 0.02). No correlations (p > 0.05) were found between consumption and education, occupation, and expenditure. The association between age and the consumption of UFPs, including wild edible plants, is well-documented, with a trend of increased consumption among older individuals [3, 140, 141]. The negative correlation with household size may be due to the fact that, in larger families, the time and labor required for gathering UFPs might be redirected to other essential activities, such as farming, childcare, or wage labor [142]. However, these correlations were generally weak.

Table 6 Correlates of UFP consumption (n = 107)

In contrast, a strong positive correlation was found between UFP consumption and knowledge about UFPs (r = 0.70); those who cited more UFPs consumed them more frequently. On average, respondent recognized six UFP species, with the most knowledgeable cited 25 species. This finding aligns with the general view that ethnobotanical knowledge and uses of plants are closely related [143]. People who have higher ethnobotanical knowledge can use more plant species than people who have less ethnobotanical knowledge [3, 140], or vice versa. However, results from the few studies that differentiate between ethnobotanical knowledge and uses of plants showed that the two variables do not necessarily correlate, indicate that other factors may modify this relationship [141, 143]. Researchers argue that discrepancies between survey responses and actual plant use arise from the replacement of plants with commercial substitutes or lifestyle changes [143]. A study in the Bolivian Amazon comparing ethnobotanical knowledge and plant use in two communities with different levels of socioeconomic change showed no correlation between knowledge and use in a village closer to the market, suggesting erosion of ethnobotanical knowledge [141]. However, in a more isolated area where plant use has not changed drastically, ethnobotanical knowledge did correlate with plant use. Similarly, in this present study, the local communities of Rancakalong maintain their traditional way of life despite the influences of social transformation, including their knowledge and use of plant diversity preserved in local food cultures. The finding indicates the importance of ethnobotanical knowledge in sustaining the use of UFP in the area, thus the effort to promote greater use of UFPs in the local diet, should be hand in hand with effort to increase their knowledge. Additionally, further research is needed to examine between ethnobotanical knowledge and actual uses of plants in different settings to understand knowledge erosion.

We found no correlation between UFP consumption frequency and socioeconomic factors (education, occupation, household expenditure), which highlights a noteworthy aspect of the relative democratization of UFP use [64]. Although UFPs can have notable nutritional value, they are often overlooked [9, 144]. This combination often leads to these plants being unjustly labeled as “famine foods” or poor-people’s food and limits their recognition as coping strategies for the most impoverished segment of the population [64]. Our study did not find such a derogatory view toward UFPs. However, it may not fully represent the situation due to limitations in our study design’s ability to capture the economic diversity among respondents.

Motivations of UFP consumption

Given the current global decline in UFP use, research has predominantly focused on clarifying the reasons underpinning their decrease, while the motivations driving their continued consumption have garnered less attention. Recognizing these motivations can lead to more effective strategies for facilitating the necessary changes. In industrialized regions, motivations for the use of UFPs lean toward recreation and innovative food trends [61, 145], whereas traditional and indigenous communities value them for their critical role in diet, economy, and culture [146]. In the studied area, the main motivations for consuming both UFPs and vegetables were daily food needs (33% for UFPs, 39% for vegetables) (Fig. 2). There are instances where certain wild forms are occasionally brought into gardens and cultivated directly to achieve a higher yield and ensure immediate availability of food. Examples of such plants include Cosmos caudatus, Physalis angulata Crassocephalum crepidioides, and Oenanthe javanica. This practice is widely reported in rural areas of Indonesia and elsewhere, where freely accessible plants resources, including common vegetables, are used to meet daily food needs, thereby reducing household food expenses [18, 38, 147]. Additionally, two documented UFPs in this study, Liquidambar excelsa and Ficus virens, recognized as timber trees [52], were found in the forest. The locals collected their young leaves on their way to the farm field.

Fig. 2

Reasons for consuming UFP versus vegetable

While economically motivated factor was perceived as necessary for both UFPs and vegetables, nutritional benefit was only recognized for vegetables (35%); none of the respondents in this study perceived UFPs as nutritionally beneficial. The findings suggest a general view of UFPs as necessary free food resources rather than as nutrient sources, indicating that the locals value UFPs for their role in the diet to ensure a reliable food supply rather than for fulfilling nutritional requirements. This highlights locals’ perception of the UFPs’ role as a key resource for food security, providing a safety net for households during times when conventional food sources might be unavailable or insufficient [148, 149]. This finding also indicates a lack of knowledge regarding UFP’s nutritional benefits, which may lead to an underestimation of these plant resources, both nutritionally and socioeconomically [148]. For example, the study site is a major sweet potato (hui Cilembu cultivar) cultivation area where the leaves are regarded as postharvest waste. Considering that sweet potato leaves is a good source of calcium (157 mg/100 g, providing 16% of the RDA for Ca), it is recommended for more consumption into include them in the locals’ diet to help alleviate Ca deficiency, particularly among women in the area (Supplementary 1). Although perceptions of sweet potato leaves may vary across cultures, there is no negative view toward sweet potato leaves (or other documented plants) in the studied villages. Instead, their low utilization stems from a lack of awareness of their valuable nutrition. Thus, raising awareness regarding nutrient-rich UFPs is necessary. In this regard, we have taken a baby step by disseminating the result of UFP nutritional values to the studied population (Table 4). We presented this information to the communities in a simple chart comparing the nutritional content of some UFP with that of conventional vegetables or fruits.

The importance of having medicinal values was more emphasized for UFPs (26% for UFPs, 9% for vegetables) (Fig. 2). This is understandable, as the use of herbal medicine is widespread in Indonesia [24, 150], and therapeutic properties are also a more pronounced motivation for consuming wild edible plants in other cultures [3, 65]. Additionally, personal factors or subjective reasons, such as taste preference (18%) and nostalgia (23%), were also more emphasized for UFPs. Alongside the traditional dietary practice of lalapan, individuals have developed affective (emotional) relationships with UFPs, linking consumption with nostalgic feelings often tied to cultural traditions. Some respondents described how eating humut (coconut heart) or boiled cariwuh (Apoballis rupertis) brought back vivid memories of their childhood or traditional ceremonies. These plants are used to prepare a ceremonial dish called pahinum, which is served during the celebration of a newborn’s 40th day in the study area. Behavior studies have demonstrated that food consumption is closely tied to memory [151]. The taste of UFPs as the main reason for their consumption has also been observed in other countries [152,153,154]. In general, local communities in Rancakalong use the diversity of food plants in preparing various dishes necessary for their ritual ceremonies [46, 48]. Overall, our findings on the motivation for UFP consumption corroborate that local communities value these underutilized resources for their critical role in diet, medicine [3, 65] and culture [146].

Despite the continued use of UFPs, most of the respondents (92%) have perceived a decline in the consumption of these plants compared to the past. Several reason were cited as probable cause of this decline: perceived reduced availability (48%), a lack of knowledge regarding UFP (30%), time constraints and convenience (13%), and a preference for improved crop varieties (9%). Reduced availability is a well-known factor associated with declining consumption of unconventional food resources, as reported in other regions in West Java, Indonesia [28], West Sumatra, Indonesia [18], and Gujarat, India [44]. It is important to note that in this present study, the perceived reduction in availability of UFPs is based on respondents’ observations; no direct measurement was conducted. Following perceived reduced availability, lack of knowledge (30%) was cited as one reason for consumption decline. This finding further supports our observation of a strong positive correlation between UFP-related knowledge and consumption (Table 2). Additionally, the diversity of plants and their associated knowledge may be closely related [3]; individuals with greater knowledge are more likely to be aware of the availability of these plants. In the study area, such individuals either cultivated the plants or took care of their natural habitats or unmanaged locations where they were typically found. For example, one respondent cultivated cariwuh (Apoballis rupertis) in her home garden from a plant she collected from the forest where it is typically found. While it is commonly reported that a shift in food preferences toward a greater variety has resulted in the neglect of wild or native species by local communities [3, 71], this does not entirely apply to the community in this study. Only 9% of respondents expressed a preference for improved crop varieties as one of possible reasons for declining UFP consumption. This may be because local food culture continues to play a prominent role, as evidenced by the ongoing tradition of lalapan consumption in their diet and the use of UFP in Rancakalong cultural ceremonies. Previous Indonesian studies also revealed that Sundanese communities residing in the Eastern Priangan areas and indigenous communities of Mentawai still highly value and prefer their traditional foods, thus sustaining the use of UFPs [37, 38].

Implications for study area

The results of this study provide significant insights into the potential role of unconventional food plants in food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and public health in the study area. The documentation of UFPs highlights the diversity of underutilized food plants in the area. Although the number of UFPs is fewer than in some other regions, this presents an opportunity to explore and document additional local food resources, which could enhance the role of UFPs in the local food system. This is particularly important given that local communities value these underutilized resources as a safety net when conventional foods are insufficient, thereby strengthening food security in the area.

The high variability in nutritional content, including proteins, fibers, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, further emphasizes the potential of UFPs to contribute significantly to nutritional adequacy. For example, Leucaena leucocephala seeds and Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in protein and calcium, while Sonchus arvensis and Eryngium foetidum provide ample iron and vitamin C. While the continued use of UFPs found in this study may imply that they provide such nutritional benefits to local communities, the deficiencies in almost all micronutrients and fiber observed among the study population (Supplementary 1) suggest that current consumption is inadequate. Malnutrition, which includes anemia and stunting, remains a persistent public health issue in rural areas in Indonesia [42, 43] including this study area [49]. Thus, promoting greater incorporation of nutrient-rich UFPs into the local diet would improve the nutrition of local communities and address these issues rooted in nutrient deficiencies. However, to effectively leverage UFPs for these purposes, more research on their nutritional composition is essential. Currently, some UFPs lack scientific evidence regarding their nutritional attributes, and many of these attributes remain uninvestigated or undocumented.

Furthermore, as we found that the consumption of UFPs is closely associated with knowledge about them, it is imperative that efforts to promote their greater consumption are accompanied by initiatives to raise awareness about UFPs, particularly regarding their nutritional value, which is not well recognized in the area. We also found that knowledge may be interrelated with reduced availability as perceived by the respondents. Thus, raising awareness of UFPs also has implications for preserving their biodiversity in the area. Key entry points for such efforts can include government nutritional programs aimed at promoting the diversity of local food plants (tanaman pangan lokal) consumption at the community level, such as the Pangan Harapan (Desirable Diet Pattern) [155], and Isi Piringku (In My Plate) [156]. Regarding the perceived declining availability of UFPs in the area, promoting their use in the local food system must go hand in hand with promoting their sustainable use. While overharvesting was not cited as the primary reason for the decreasing consumption trend in the study area, it is noteworthy that overharvesting, or using entire plants or roots, should be avoided to preserve these valuable resources [157]. At the community level, we argue that the sustainable use and conservation of these underutilized plants should be integrated into the social-ecological system in which the species are observed. Maintaining the integrity of this local ecosystem is equally important and has been partially addressed by the West Java Government through programs like the Buruan Sae and Teras Hijau (Green Terrace) [158], which promote the use of home gardens as a source of local food plants. However, UFPs were not explicitly recognized. Incorporating UFPs into such programs would raise awareness among local communities [18] and encourage cultivation, thus ensuring that households have access to nutritious food and contributing to promoting food security and nutrition in the area. Finally, creating awareness and promoting the sustainable use of UFPs can help maintain and enrich cultural heritage, as these plants are often integral to traditional practices, culinary traditions, and local identities.

The first limitation of this study is the use of ex situ interviews—free listing and FFQ (dietary recall)—in documenting the plants, without being accompanied by in situ survey. The in situ “walk-in-the-woods” method resulted in more detailed information on plant knowledge and use frequency than the ex situ interviews [75]. This is because the in situ method allows for assessing plant knowledge within its ecological context. Walking through the natural environment enables the encounter of many species that do not readily come to mind during off-forest interviews. While free listing and dietary recalls can provide quantitative data and a more general overview, such methods cannot capture the full diversity of plants known and used as effectively as the “walk-in-the-woods” survey. Consequently, the plants documented in this study are fewer compared to some other areas and lack accuracy in terms of the status of the plants “wild or cultivated”. The second limitation relates to the use of the FFQ method in measuring UFP consumption. Using the FFQ method, we cannot obtain real-time data on the contribution and accurate average amount of UFP intake in the diet, as can be measured by other dietary recalls such as the 24-h dietary recall. However, the FFQ accounts for consumption variations over a longer timeframe, capturing consumption patterns of plants that are not part of the daily diet [139]. In follow-up comparative studies, both the FFQ and 24-h recall methods will be employed to obtain comprehensive data on the contribution of UFP consumption to nutritional intake. The third limitation of this study involves certain nutrient values in Table 4, which are single data points rather than averages due to limited references. This underscores the need for careful consideration when interpreting data. Finally, although the survey was limited to only three villages in a rural site, we believe that the results sufficiently represent rural communities’ practice regarding UFPs in West Java but may not be necessarily generalizable to other populations in Indonesia. Thus, replicating this research based on a case study in other regions is advisable to elucidate more comprehensive information on UFPs’ potential contribution to improved nutrition.

Conclusion

We documented 52 unconventional food plants commonly consumed in the diet of rural communities in the Rancakalong district of Sumedang Regency, West Java. This study not only highlights the existing diversity of underutilized plant resources in the area but also shows that the nutritional evaluation of these UFPs reveals their significant potential to meet dietary needs, as many are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin C. Despite the common use of UFPs in the local diet, the nutritional potential of some documented UFPs suggests that their greater incorporation could be valuable for addressing nutrient deficiencies and improving overall diet quality. Findings on motivation for consuming UFPs show that local communities value UFPs primarily for their critical roles in diet, medicine, and cultural traditions. While UFPs are seen as a vital resource for ensuring food security, especially in times of scarcity, there is a significant lack of awareness regarding their nutritional benefits. This knowledge gap may lead to underestimating their potential as nutritional resources. Our findings reveal a strong correlation between UFP knowledge and consumption, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to promote UFPs. Therefore, efforts to increase UFP consumption should include educational initiatives to create awareness about them and reinforce their cultural and traditional significance.

This study underlines significant insights into the potential role of UFPs in strengthening food security and improving nutrition, which can help address malnutrition issues, including anemia and stunting, in the area. Thus, the perceived declining consumption and availability of these underutilized resources represent a lost opportunity. Consequently, promoting the greater inclusion of these plants in diets and their awareness among communities must also be accompanied by advocating their sustainable use. Further, it is recommended to continue investigating poorly known nutrients of widely used species to fully enhance their contribution.