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Grass jelly, also known as leaf jelly or grass jelly, is a natural culinary gem that can be used in drinks, desserts and as a topping. Find out everything you need to know, plus a recipe for making your own grass jelly powder at home. You’ll be amazed at how much better than boba (yes I said it) this jelly is!
When I was in elementary school, my best friend at the time was Vietnamese. I would often go to her house and her mother would feed us, and one of those times, our food was herbal jelly.
I have to admit, at the time I had no idea what that black jelly was. Being young and naive, I had some hesitation, but since then, I have never forgotten what grass jelly is.
From that moment, at such a young age, grass jelly would be something I would recognize for the rest of my life and that childhood memory never left my mind.
I only wish today that I could give thanks for the kindness they showed me at their home and for the invaluable exposure to some new Vietnamese foods I was fortunate enough to try.
Personally, to this day, I love grass jelly as much as I love boba! Maybe more than that. Again, every time I eat grass jelly, I think of the friend I had when I was a kid.
What is grass jelly?
In the colorful tapestry of world cuisine, some delicacies stand out not only for their taste but also for their fascinating origins and cultural significance.
One such delight is grass jelly, A Traditional sweets and herbal remedies Which captured the imagination and tastes of people through it Asia And beyond.
Grass jelly, also known as Leaf jelly or “xiancao” (仙草) in Mandarinit kind of is A jelly-like candy or food product Made from the leaves of the Chinese mesona plant (Mesona chinensis).
Grass gel has the following properties:
- Dark brown or black colour
- Earthy, herbal taste.
- Serve cold with sweeteners such as sugar syrup, honey or fruit juices
- A refreshing dessert or snack, especially during hot weather
It is a popular ingredient in many Asian countries, especially in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
To make grass jelly, leaves Mizuna plant It is boiled with potassium carbonate and then cooled and hardens into a gel-like substance.
If you buy it in a packet, it will come out bouncy just like jelly!
What does grass jelly taste like?
Grass jelly is known as “leaf or grass jelly” and has an earthy, non-sweet flavour.
It reminds me of dark, not-so-sweet oolong tea in jelly form. It is very light, especially when mixed with drinks.
Since it is part of the mint family, there is a similar freshness about the taste, Although it’s not minty.
Since the taste is distinctive LayersAnd delicate at the same time…think grass jelly It shines best when used in drinks and desserts.
I must also note that if you are a mushroom coffee lover or a chagashino fan, you should try this In your next coffee drink It is right up your alley.
Is grass jelly like boba?
Two very different things. Here is the breakdown when comparing the two.
texture:
- Grass jelly has a smooth, firm texture, similar to gelatin or jelly, while boba has a noticeably chewy and sticky texture due to tapioca starch.
to prepare:
- Grass jelly is made from the leaves of the Chinese mizuna plant, while boba is made from tapioca starch.
flavor:
- It has a real earthy and grassy taste with a slight sweetness, while boba is neutral in flavor and absorbs the taste of the drink it is served in.
Culinary uses:
- It is often served chilled with syrup or sweetened condensed milk, used in desserts, or added to beverages such as smoothies and herbal teas. Boba is commonly found in milk tea and bubble tea as a chewy additive.
Cultural importance:
- Grass jelly is deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions and is used in various cultural dishes and drinks. Boba, on the other hand, is a key ingredient in the hugely popular bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan.
In summary, while both grass jelly and boba are beloved ingredients in Asian cuisine, they differ in texture, flavor, culinary uses, and cultural significance.
Origins and history
Grass jelly is believed to have originated in China centuries ago.
Its exact origins are It is shrouded in mysteryBut historical accounts indicate that it has been consumed for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
Jelly is traditionally made from the leaves and stems of the Chinese mesona plant (Mesona chinensis). A member of the mint family native to Southeast Asia.
Over time, it has found its way into various culinary traditions across East and Southeast Asia, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Each region has its own unique preparation methods and serving styles, adding to the diversity and richness of this beloved dessert.
Making grass jelly
Grass jelly production is a Precise and labor intensive A process that requires skill and patience.
starts with Harvest Leaves and stems Chinese mizuna plantThen it is cleaned well to remove dirt and impurities.
Cleaned leaves and stems are boiled in water. The extract of natural perfume produces a dark, aromatic liquid known as “Mizuna extract.”
the next, Natural coagulation Such as potassium carbonate or calcium hydroxide are added to mizuna extract for induction clingy.
The mixture is then left to cool and solidify into a solid, gel-like substance.
Once set, the gel becomes habit-forming Cut into cubes Or served in its original form, ready to be enjoyed on its own or as a dish Topping for various desserts and drinks.
Is grass jelly all natural?
It is generally considered a natural product since then It consists primarily of plant extracts. This also makes it kid-friendly and diet-friendly for many individuals.
However, processing and manufacturing methods may vary between producers. Some commercial versions of sand may contain additional ingredients such as sugar, water, and preservatives.
It’s necessary to Check the label If you are looking for an all-natural version of grass gel.
Homemade grass gel tends to be more natural because it usually involves simpler ingredients and methods. I have a recipe below for you!
In recipes and culinary uses
At its simplest, it is It is often served chilled with syrup or sweetened condensed milk. This is a refreshing and cooling treat, especially during the hot summer months.
Its subtle, herbal flavor and delicate texture make it a popular addition to desserts such as shaved ice, fruit cocktails, and puddings.
In addition to being used in sweet dishes, this herbal jelly can also be enjoyed in savory preparations.
In parts of Southeast Asia, it is sometimes combined with coconut milk, palm sugar and other ingredients to create a unique and delicious dessert known as cendol.
Try grass jelly in a cantaloupe drink, a watermelon honeydew drink, a brown sugar grass jelly latte, and in a mango-orange coconut smoothie. Very delicious!
The most popular grass jelly candy
The most popular herbal jelly candy is usually the most classic and simplest to prepare, which is where jelly is found Serve cold with syrup or sweetened condensed milk. Add some ice and that’s it!
Other ideas that are easy to apply
- Serve with iced tea or iced latte
- Serve it in a bowl with a mixture of lychees, berries, and a drizzle of coconut milk
- Add it to jelly drinks such as Halo Halo and Chi Tai
- It is served simply with brown sugar syrup and pandan infused milk or vanilla almond milk
- Add it to a sweetened matcha latte
Health benefits
It is believed in traditional Chinese medicine to contain:
- Cooling properties that help soothe heat-related illnesses
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Calories in grass jelly
that it Very low in calories and contains no fat.
A typical serving (about 100 grams) contains about 30 calories.
However, this is jelly usually Paired with sugar and creamy concoctions. This recipe as a whole is not healthy so it is important to consider the use of jelly to determine how healthy it is.
Of course, calories may vary depending on how it is prepared and served. It is necessary to consider portion sizes and which ones Additional components Such as syrup or sweeteners that may increase the calorie content.
If you are concerned about your calorie intake, it is a good idea to check the nutritional information on the package.
Healthy preparation It will be an herbal jelly cut into small cubes and served in iced black tea with light sugar and some lemon.
Grass jelly powder
Grass jelly powder is a convenient and versatile ingredient used to make grass jelly.
It consists of dried extracts of the leaves of the Chinese mizuna plant. Natural coagulants are added, allowing the grass jelly to be easily prepared at home.
Dissolve the herbal jelly powder in boiling water and leave the mixture until it solidifies.
Enjoy your desserts, drinks and more. Recipe below!
Conclusion
In conclusion, grass jelly is more than just a dessert – it is a symbol of tradition and innovation.
Its rich history, complex production process, and diverse culinary uses make it a fascinating subject for foodies to explore.
Whether enjoyed on its own, or with other ingredients, it continues to capture hearts and taste buds around the world.
- 1 package 25 grams of herbal jelly powder
- 600 Ml water
- 50 g sugar Adjust to taste for desired sweetness
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In a pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil.
600 ml water
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In a separate bowl, dissolve the grass gel powder in 100 ml of cold water.
1 pack
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When the water boils in the pot, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
50 grams of sugar
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Slowly pour the dissolved grass gel powder into the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Leave the mixture on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Once the liquid becomes thick and jelly-like, remove the pot from the heat.
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Transfer the mixture to a mold or bowl, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
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Once cool, place the grass jelly in the refrigerator until it is completely set and hardened. This usually takes about 3-4 hours.
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After it hardens, cut the grass jelly into cubes or desired shapes and serve cold.
Nutritional facts
Grass jelly recipe using grass jelly powder
Amount per service
% daily value*
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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