Grass Jelly: The Ideal Breakfast For Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast that will help you lose weight, look no further than grass jelly. This unique and delicious dish is perfect for anyone on a diet, and it’s easy to make at home. Here’s everything you need to know about this underrated superfood.

What Is Grass Jelly?

Grass jelly is a type of jelly made from the stalks and leaves of the plant species Mesona Chinensis. It’s a common ingredient in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine, and it has a unique flavor that’s often described as earthy or herbal.

Grass jelly is traditionally made by boiling mesona Chinensis plants in water, then straining the mixture and adding sugar to taste. The resulting jelly is black in color and has a slightly gelatinous texture.

Why Is Grass Jelly Good For Weight Loss?

There are a few reasons why grass jelly is an ideal breakfast for weight loss. 

Low In Calories

First, it’s low in calories. A cup of grass jelly contains just 60 calories, making it a great option for anyone watching their weight.

High In Fiber

Second, grass jelly is high in fiber. This important nutrient helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods later in the day. Fiber also aids in digestion and can help to prevent constipation.

Rich In Antioxidants

Finally, grass jelly is rich in antioxidants. These nutrients help to protect your cells from damage and may even reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

How To Enjoy Grass Jelly

There are endless ways to enjoy grass jelly. It can be eaten on its own as a snack or dessert or used as an ingredient in various recipes.

If you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing drink, try adding grass jelly to your favorite smoothie or juice. You can also use it as a topping on oatmeal or yogurt, or add it to your favorite salad.

Grass jelly is also a popular ingredient in Asian desserts like black sesame soup and mango pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making these sweet treats at home using our easy recipes.

No matter how you enjoy it, grass jelly is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. So next time you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option, give this unique superfood a try. You won’t be disappointed!

The Process Of Making Grass Jelly

Grass jelly is a refreshing drink that is popular in many parts of Asia. It is made from the juice of a type of grass that grows in marshes and swamps. The juice is boiled down to a thick syrup, which is then poured into molds and chilled. When it is ready to serve, the grass jelly is cut into cubes or slices and served with a sweetener such as sugar or honey.

Grass jelly has a light, grassy flavor and a chewy texture. It is often used as a topping for desserts or mixed with fruit juices to make refreshing drinks.

Making grass jelly at home is not difficult, but it does require some patience. Below are the steps involved in making grass jelly:

Use Available Grass Jelly Powder

The first way to make grass jelly is to use available grass jelly powder. This is the most convenient way as it only requires mixing the powder with water and boiling it. However, the resulting grass jelly may not be as fresh-tasting as those made from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of grass jelly powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups of water

Tools:

• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jar or container to store the jelly in

Step 1: Mix The Powder

In a blender or food processor, mix the grass jelly powder with 1 and 1/2 cups of water until it is fully dissolved. This way will help to avoid any lumps in the mixture.

Step 2: Boil The Mixture

Pour the mixture into a pot and place it over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Strain The Mixture

After 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or container.

Step 4: Chill The Jelly

Place the container of jelly in the fridge and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight. The cold temperature will make the jelly easier to finish.

Step 5: Serve The Jelly

When you are ready to serve the grass jelly, cut it into cubes or slices and add a sweetener of your choice. Enjoy!

Use Mesona Leaves

The second way to make grass jelly is to use fresh mesona leaves. Mesona leaves are a type of grass that is often used to make grass jelly. This method will result in a more fresh-tasting and flavorful grass jelly.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of fresh mesona leaves (about 30 leaves)
• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar

Tools:

• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jar or container to store the jelly in

Step 1: Blend The Leaves

Wash the mesona leaves and remove any tough stems. Then, place the leaves in a blender or food processor with 6 cups of water. Blend the mixture until the leaves are finely chopped.

Step 2: Boil The Mixture

Pour the mixture into a pot and place it over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Strain The Mixture

After 30 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or container.

Step 4: Add The Sugar And Chill The Jelly

Stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved. Place the container of jelly in the fridge and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.

Step 5: Serve The Jelly

When you are ready to serve the grass jelly, cut it into cubes or slices and add a sweetener of your choice. Enjoy!

Here are two methods for making grass jelly at home. The first method is to use available grass jelly powder, while the second method is to use fresh mesona leaves. Both methods will result in a refreshing and delicious treat. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

Some Sweet Recipes That Use Grass Jelly As Main Ingredient

Grass jelly is a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian desserts. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we will share three recipes for sweet desserts that use grass jelly as the main ingredient.

Grass Jelly In Coconut Milk

The first recipe is for a grass jelly in coconut milk. This cupcake is not too sweet, and cool, with a delicate hint of bitterness from the grass jelly. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grass jelly, cubed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• Step 1: Combine the grass jelly, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a pot over medium heat.
• Step 2: Cook the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the grass jelly has melted into the liquid.
• Step 3: Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls and let cool before serving. Enjoy!

Grass Jelly With Fruits

The second recipe is for a grass jelly with fruits. These fruits are sweet and sour, with some grass jelly cubes in the middle for added flavor. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grass jelly, cubed
• 1 cup mixed fruits (strawberries, mangoes, grapes, etc.), diced

Directions:

• Step 1: In a bowl, combine the grass jelly and diced fruits.
• Step 2: Serve chilled. Enjoy!

Grass Jelly Pudding

The third recipe is for a grass jelly pudding. This pudding is smooth and silky, with a strong flavor of grass jelly.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grass jelly, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tapioca pearls
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chopped grass jelly and tapioca pearls. Set aside.
• Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved.
• Step 3: Add the grass jelly mixture to the milk, stirring until dissolved.
• Step 4: Pour pudding into individual serving dishes. Let cool completely before serving.

Some Other Kinds Of Jelly You Can Do At Home

There are all sorts of different kinds of jelly that you can make at home, rather than the traditional grass jelly.

Chia Seed Jelly

The first kind of jelly is chia seed jelly. This is made by soaking chia seeds in water overnight, then blending them with fruit and sweetener to make a smoothie. Pour the mixture into a jelly mold or a glass container, and place it in the fridge to set.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup blended fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons honey or other sweeteners

Instructions:

• Step 1: Soak the chia seeds in the water overnight.
• Step 2: In the morning, blend the soaked chia seeds with the fruit and honey until smooth.
• Step 3: Pour into a jelly mold or glass container, and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.
• Step 4: Enjoy!

Coconut Jelly

This second kind of jelly is made with coconut milk, agar agar powder, and flavoring. It’s a little bit more work than the chia seed jelly, but it’s well worth it!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup agar agar powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings
• 3 tablespoons honey or other sweeteners

Instructions:

• Step 1. In a saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, agar agar powder, and honey.
• Step 2. Place over medium heat, and bring to a boil while whisking constantly.
• Step 3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
• Step 4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Step 5. Pour into a jelly mold or glass container, and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.
• Step 6. Enjoy!

Vegan Jelly

This third kind of jelly is completely vegan and is made with agar agar powder and fruit juice. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a jelly that’s lower in sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit juice (grape, apple, orange, etc.)
• 1/4 cup agar agar powder

Instructions:

• Step 1. In a saucepan, whisk together the fruit juice and agar agar powder.
• Step 2. Place over medium heat, and bring to a boil while whisking constantly.
• Step 3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
• Step 4. Remove from the heat and pour into a jelly mold or glass container.
• Step 5. Place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.
• Step 6. Enjoy!

There are all sorts of different kinds of jelly that you can make at home, rather than the traditional grass jelly. Chia seed jelly, coconut jelly, and vegan jelly are just a few examples. So why not get creative in the kitchen and see what you can come up with?

Tips To Make Your Jelly To Perfection

Making jelly is one of the simplest tasks in the kitchen. The ingredients are few and the process is straightforward. With a little bit of care, your jelly will turn out perfectly every time. Here are a few tips to help you make your jelly to perfection.

Use Fresh Fruit

Jelly made with fresh fruit will always taste better than jelly made with frozen or canned fruit. If you can’t find fresh fruit, frozen is the next best option.

Use The Right Type Of Sugar

For best results, use granulated sugar when making jelly. Do not use brown sugar, raw sugar, or any other type of sugar. These kinds of sugar can cause your jelly to be less firm.

Cook The Fruit Until It Is Soft

This is the most important step in making perfect jelly. The fruit must be cooked until it is soft enough to mash with a fork. If it is not cooked long enough, your jelly will be too runny. If it is cooked too long, your jelly will be too thick.

Use A Jelly Bag

A jelly bag is an important tool for making perfect jelly. It helps to strain out the fruit pulp and seeds, giving you a clear, smooth jelly. If you don’t have a jelly bag, you can use a cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Follow The Recipe

Be sure to follow the recipe to the letter. Do not change any of the ingredients or quantities. This is the best way to ensure that your jelly turns out perfectly every time.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect jelly every time!

FAQs

Q: Is grass jelly gluten-free?

A: Yes, grass jelly is gluten-free because it is made from the Mesona plant which does not contain gluten.

Q: What is the nutritional value of grass jelly?

A: Grass jelly is composed of 73% water, 18% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and less than 1% fat. It is a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium (22%), iron (4.5%), magnesium (10%), and phosphorus (8%).

Q: What does grass jelly taste like?

A: Grass jelly has a slightly bitter taste and a chewy texture. It is often served with sweeteners or flavorings such as syrup, honey, or fruits to balance out its taste.

Q: What are the health benefits of grass jelly?

A: Grass jelly is a popular drink in Asia that is made from the leaves of a particular type of plant. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health problems. Some of the key health benefits of grass jelly include its ability to cool your body, improve digestion, boost energy levels, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss.

Q: Where can I buy grass jelly?

A: Grass jelly can be found in most Asian restaurants or grocery stores. It is usually sold in the refrigerated section, near the tofu and other soy products.

Q: Where can I buy grass jelly powder?

A: Grass jelly powder can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you cannot find it there, you can also purchase it online.

Q: Where can I buy mesona leaves?

A: Mesona leaves can be bought at most Asian grocery stores. Their seeds can also be ordered online from websites like Amazon.com.

Q: Can I grow my own mesona plants at home? What are the notes when planting them?

A: Yes, you can grow your own mesona plants at home. The plants are easy to care for and thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

Mesona plant is a small, aromatic herb that is often used in cooking. It has a slightly spicy flavor and can be used fresh or dried. Mesona can be grown at home, and the plants are easy to care for.

When planting mesona plants, be sure to use a well-drained soil mix and provide plenty of sunlight. The plants should be spaced about 12 inches apart, and water regularly until they are established. Fertilize mesona plants every few weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Conclusion

Grass jelly is an interesting and unique dessert that can be found in many Asian countries. It has a slightly sour, but mostly sweet flavor and a gelatinous texture. Although it may not be well known in the United States, grass jelly is gaining popularity as people learn more about it and try it for themselves. 

Here we have learned about grass jelly, its benefits, and how to make it. This is a very delicious dessert that not only tastes good but also has many health benefits. If you’re looking for something new to try, or want to explore some of the culinary traditions of Asia, give grass jelly a shot – you won’t regret it!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below! Also, visit our website for more information on healthy desserts or other best dishes from around the world.

We hope you enjoyed learning about grass jelly and will try it for yourself soon! Thanks for reading!