Melinjo belongs to Gnetum family plant which originated from Indonesia. Melinjo is dioecious gymnosperm plant (has separated male and female reproduction organ), can reach height of 22 meters with conical trunk. The harvest seasons of melinjo are twice a year, between May – July and October – December.
Densely growth melinjo tree looks beautiful with its melinjo fruit, which color is yellow and red depends on its ripeness.
In Indonesia, such as Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi Island, melinjo tree is planted in garden near the house or roadside. Melinjo trees are cultivated by the farmers from a long time ago, and their fruits, leaves and flowers are used since.
One of popular melinjo snack is Emping. Emping is made from melinjo seed and almost all Indonesian love it.
The seeds of melinjo have a high nutritive value, including particular carbohydrate and protein, high antioxidant and antibacterial effects which are the same as polyphenol in red wine (resveratrol)
