Fresh coconut jelly, a culinary marvel that effortlessly combines tropical allure with exquisite taste and nutrition. With a rich heritage spanning Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, coconut jelly is not just a treat; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these cultures. Discover the secrets behind creating a flawless fresh coconut jelly and learn why this versatile dessert is quickly becoming a favorite among food lovers worldwide. In this article, we delve deep into the intricate process of crafting this refreshing dessert, from selecting the perfect coconuts to achieving the ideal texture and flavor balance.
What is Fresh Coconut Jelly (Thạch dừa)?
Fresh Coconut Jelly is a popular traditional dessert originating from Southeast Asia made from the juice and meat of fresh young coconuts. Its main ingredients are just two: coconut water and coconut meat. This simple jelly dessert is naturally sweet, refreshing, and bursting with coconut flavor.
Fresh Coconut Jelly is a staple snack and dessert in many Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is commonly sold by street food vendors and enjoyed as a cooling treat on hot days. The jelly has a soft, wobbly texture and is often served in cubes drizzled with sweetened coconut milk.
What makes Fresh Coconut Jelly so popular?
Here are some reasons why people love this classic Southeast Asian treat:
- It’s naturally sweet and refreshing, with no added sugar needed
- The soft, wobbly texture is fun to eat
- Intense fresh coconut flavor
- Perfect for hot and humid weather
- Healthy ingredients with electrolytes and nutrients
- Easy to make at home
Coconut Jelly Fun Facts
Let’s explore some fascinating history and fun facts about everyone’s favorite wobbly coconut treat!
Coconut jelly history
- Originated as a street food in Southeast Asia centuries ago
- Made from abundant local ingredients: coconuts and agar seaweed
- Creative reuse of coconut byproduct after extracting coconut milk/oil
- Popularized by Chinese immigrants to SEA in 1800s-1900s
- Remains a traditional snack and dessert across the region
Where is it popular?
- Thailand – Sold by street vendors as Nam Kathi
- Vietnam – Called Thốt Nốt Dừa
- Malaysia – Known as Cendol or Agar-Agar
- Indonesia – Known as Es Kolang Kaling
- Singapore – Signature dessert is Cheng Tng
How is it enjoyed?
- On its own as a refreshing treat
- With shaved ice as a cooling dessert soup
- In fruit salads and chilled coconut desserts
- As colorful jelly cubes in chilled drinks
- With sweet toppings like palm sugar syrup
Fun coconut facts
- Coconuts are drupes, not nuts
- Floating coconuts helped spread species across oceans
- The cavity milk and meat form is nature’s only pre-filled “bowl”
- Coconut water has natural electrolytes and antioxidants
- Coconut oil has anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties
- Coconut tree is called “Tree of Life” for its versatility
About jelly
- Main gelling agent is agar seaweed extracted powder
- Agar agar sets at room temperature unlike animal gelatin
- Coconut meat provides fat, flavor, and cloudy color
- Chilling allows the jelly to fully set into a wobbly solid
- Can be adapted into many textures from soft pudding to firm jelly
Health Benefits of Fresh Coconut Jelly
Beyond tasting great, Fresh Coconut Jelly offers many nutritional health benefits:
Digestive health
- Contains prebiotic fiber to support gut bacteria
- Provides hydration from coconut water to aid digestion
- High electrolyte content helps maintain fluid balance
Immune boosting properties
- Antioxidants in coconut fight inflammation and cell damage
- Contains antimicrobial lauric acid to combat infections
- Electrolytes help body absorb nutrients and flush toxins
Other nutritional benefits
- High in manganese, copper, selenium, potassium, magnesium
- No added sugar unlike many jellies and desserts
- Low glycemic index minimizes blood sugar spikes
- Meat and water provide energy with carbohydrates and fat
Skin and hair
- Lauric acid has anti-bacterial effects on skin
- Coconut oil is very moisturizing for skin and hair
- Vitamin C promotes collagen production for youthful skin
Rehydration
- Coconut water provides key electrolytes like potassium
- More effective than plain water for rehydration
- Helps replace fluids lost through sweat in hot climates
With all these perks, it’s easy to see why coconut jelly is such a staple snack in tropical Southeast Asia!
Homemade Fresh Coconut Jelly Recipe
To make basic Fresh Coconut Jelly, you only need 2 main ingredients:
- Young coconut water
- Young coconut meat
Here is a simple recipe to make Fresh Coconut Jelly at home:
Ingredient
- 3 cups young coconut water
- 1 cup young coconut meat
- 2 tbsp agar agar powder or gelatin
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop out the soft jelly-like meat from a young Thai coconut. Rinse and drain meat.
- Pour 3 cups of coconut water into pot and bring to boil.
- Add agar agar powder and whisk until dissolved. Turn down heat to low.
- Add coconut meat and optional sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour into mold or container. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours until set.
- Once set, cut jelly into cubes or scoop into bowls.
- Top with sweetened coconut milk or fruits like mango or jackfruit.
Tips for perfect coconut jelly
- Use young, green coconuts for the best flavor
- Simmer agar agar to fully activate gelling properties
- Chill completely before serving for firm texture
- Add fruits or sweetened condensed milk as toppings
- Can use grass jelly powder instead of agar agar
- Refrigerate leftovers in sealed container up to 5 days
Vegan variation: Omit sugar and use agar agar instead of gelatin.
Cook time: 10 minutes active, 2+ hours chill time
Where to Find Fresh Coconut Jelly?
Want to get your hands on some supremely refreshing coconut jelly? Here are some places to find it:
Asian grocery stores – Check the refrigerated section for ready-to-eat coconut jelly cups
Thai, Vietnamese, or Malaysian restaurants – May have coconut jelly on dessert menus
Specialty online stores – Sell fresh coconut jelly that can be shipped
Farmer’s markets – Look for vendors selling young coconuts to make your own
Make it yourself – Use the recipe above for fresh homemade coconut jelly
Simple dessert ideas
- Add coconut jelly to fruit and milk puddings
- Layer jelly with whipped cream or yogurt
- Top shaved ice desserts with jelly cubes
- Mix into tropical fruit smoothie bowls
- Float cubes in iced Thai tea or coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer some common questions about enjoying this underrated treat:
Can you use coconut milk?
No, coconut jelly requires the water and meat specifically from young, green coconuts. Coconut milk doesn’t have the right properties to set into a jelly.
What’s the difference from agar-agar jelly?
Agar agar powder is used to make the coconut jelly set. The addition of coconut ingredients gives it a unique flavor and texture compared to plain agar jelly.
Creative uses?
Get creative with coconut jelly in pancakes, chia pudding, ice pops, martini cocktails, and more! It also makes a unique savory addition to dishes like rice porridge.
How does it compare to jello?
Coconut jelly is made from natural ingredients while Jello is full of artificial colors and sweeteners. The flavors are also completely different, with coconut jelly showcasing a fresh, tropical taste.
Conclusion: Fresh Coconut Jelly
To wrap up, Fresh Coconut Jelly is a delicious and refreshing staple snack across Southeast Asia with a fun wobbly texture. Made from just two ingredients – coconut water and meat – it’s naturally sweet and packed with flavor. Coconut jelly is easy to make at home, good for you, and versatile as both a sweet treat or creative recipe addition. With its cooling and hydrating properties, coconut jelly is the perfect way to beat the heat. Share your own recipes using this traditional jelly in new ways. Have you tried coconut jelly before? Let Cheenhuaye know your thoughts on this underrated treat!
Fresh Coconut Jelly recipe
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality coconut milk and fresh coconut water for the best flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or another sweetener.
- Agar Agar vs. Gelatin: Agar agar is a vegan alternative to gelatin and sets at cooler temperatures. If using gelatin, follow the package instructions for blooming and substitution amounts.
- Variations:
-
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of salt to the coconut mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of fruits or add in other flavors like pandan leaves for a touch of Southeast Asian flair.
Ingredients
- - 1 cup Coconut Milk (full-fat for best results)
- - 2 cups Fresh Coconut Water from young coconuts for best flavor
- - 1 tablespoon Agar Agar Powder
- - ⅓ cup Sugar (or to taste)
- - Optional
- + ¼ cup Milk (cold) for gelatin blooming (if using gelatin instead of agar agar)
- + 1 tablespoon Gelatin Powder
- + 2 cups Mango, kiwi, or your choice Fruit (fresh, diced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the coconut water, agar agar powder, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the agar agar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil. Do not let the mixture boil for too long, as this can weaken the gelling properties of agar agar.
- Optional - Separate for Two Layers (Coconut Milk Layer): If you want a two-layered jelly, remove about 1 cup of the hot coconut mixture and set it aside in a bowl.
- Add Coconut Milk (and Optional Fruit): Stir in the coconut milk to the remaining hot coconut mixture. If using fruit, gently fold it in at this point.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the coconut jelly mixture into a mold or individual serving containers. If creating a two-layered jelly, carefully pour the reserved clear coconut mixture on top of the coconut milk layer once it has cooled slightly (but still liquid).
- Set the Jelly: Cover the mold or containers and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until the jelly is completely set.
Nutrition Facts
Fresh Coconut Jelly recipe
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10-15g | 15.4% | |
| Saturated Fat 8-10g | 40% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium 20-30mg | 0.8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 20-25g | 6.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1-2g | 4% | |
| Sugars 15-20g | ||
| Protein 2-3g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!