Grass jelly dessert is a unique and refreshing treat popular across Southeast Asia. The gelatinous, chewy texture paired with sweet flavored syrups makes for an iconic food experience. Grass jelly is most popular in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China, where it is commonly served as a cold dessert or drink.
What makes grass jelly so special is its extremely soft, jelly-like texture that literally melts in your mouth. The grass jelly cubes or sheets have an earthy, lightly herbaceous flavor that pairs well with sweet toppings. It provides an intriguing textural contrast and visual appeal. Grass jelly is low in calories and rich in fiber, making it a healthy dessert choice.
The History of Grass Jelly
Grass jelly has a long history rooted in Chinese medicinal traditions. It was first created by the Hakka people as a remedy using the leaves of mesona chinensis, a mint plant native to China. The Hakka people were nomads residing in southern China who eventually migrated throughout Southeast Asia.
The origins can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty era around the 18th century. The Hakka people would boil the mesona leaves to extract the gelatinous substance within the leaves. This herbal gelatin was consumed as a cooling tea or dessert believed to have detoxifying qualities.
Over time, recipes evolved to use other additives like starch and alum to help the jelly solidify and achieve the right consistency. As the Hakka people spread across Asia, they brought grass jelly recipes with them. It became popular in Taiwan as pai-ling-kuo and in Singapore and Malaysia as cincau.
Grass jelly grew into a common street food found at shaved ice stands, markets and food stalls. It remains an integral part of traditional dessert culture in many Southeast Asian regions.
How Grass Jelly is Made?
To make grass jelly, the leaves of mesona chinensis are boiled and reduced into a grass jelly solution. Mesona chinensis is a member of the mint family labiatae and is known by many names like chin chow, Chinese raisin or cincau.
The grass jelly extract is combined with additives like potassium alum, potassium carbonate, borax and starch. These ingredients help solidify the jelly and add chewy texture. Food coloring is also commonly added to create fun colors like green, black or brown grass jelly.
The liquid mixture is poured into molds, allowed to cool and refrigerated until firmly set. Once chilled, the grass jelly solidifies into gelatinous cubes or sheets ready to be served.
The main ingredients in classic grass jelly are mesona leaves, water and additives for firming. Variations may also include brown sugar, honey or fruit juices for sweetness. The result is a dark, earthy flavored jelly base to contrast with sweet toppings.
Varieties of Grass Jelly Dessert
Taiwanese grass jelly is distinguished by its green color and cubed shape. Tiny grass jelly cubes are topped with crushed ice, condensed milk, fruit and other sweet toppings. Some other classic Taiwanese combinations are pairing grass jelly with brown sugar syrup, lemonade, mung bean or red bean soup.
In Vietnam, grass jelly is called thach rau cau and features the jelly in small rectangles or thin sheets. Vietnamese grass jelly has a lighter flavor because condensing agents are not used as much. It balances the sweet coconut milk or sugar syrup with the mild grass flavors. Common Vietnamese toppings include jackfruit, jelly and tapioca pearls.
Nutritional Benefits
Grass jelly is low in calories but high in fiber and boasts a range of nutritional benefits. It contains vitamins A, B and C, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc. The jelly is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that reduce inflammation.
Grass jelly is fat-free and its high fiber pectin content helps regulate digestion. It contains cooling properties that make it useful as a digestive aid. The hydrating liquid also helps relieve heat stroke and high blood pressure.
With its unique health advantages and indulgent flavor, grass jelly makes for a guilt-free sweet treat!
How to Make Black Grass Jelly?
Black grass jelly has an even deeper earthy flavor than regular green grass jelly. Follow these simple steps to make black grass jelly at home:
Ingredients
- 1 pack black grass jelly powder
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Equipment
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Bowl
- Grass jelly molds
Instructions
- Dissolve the black grass jelly powder in hot water. Stir continuously to prevent clumping.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly. Then carefully pour it into the jelly molds.
- Refrigerate the filled molds for at least 4 hours. Once firmly set, remove the black grass jelly cubes.
- Add black grass jelly to bowls over shaved ice and top with your favorite syrups!
Serving Suggestions
There are endless tasty ways to eat grass jelly! Here are some classic grass jelly dessert combinations:
- Grass jelly with condensed or evaporated milk and fruit cocktail
- Grass jelly cubes in fresh fruit smoothies or shakes
- Top shaved ice with grass jelly, red beans, fruit and syrups
- Layer grass jelly with tropical fruits like jackfruit, lychee and durian
- Mix into traditional drinks like lemonade, soy milk or fruit juices
- Use as a topping on pastries, cakes or waffles
Some fusion recipes incorporate grass jelly into concoctions like grass jelly matcha latte, grass jelly yogurt parfait or topping on cheesecake. The possibilities are endless!
Where to Find Grass Jelly?
In Southeast Asia, authentic grass jelly drinks and desserts can be found at street markets and night markets in cities across Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. Some notable places to try grass jelly specialties are at Liu Sanjie Grass Jelly in Taiwan and Kek Seng Cendol & Grass Jelly in Malaysia.
Vietnamese grass jelly is best savored at markets and cafes in Ho Chi Minh City like Bánh Trôi Nước. In Chinatowns around the world, you can often find grass jelly drinks at Asian dessert shops and boba cafes. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver have restaurants selling grass jelly creations.
Though grass jelly originated in China, it has become a favorite treat across all of Southeast Asia. With its smooth, bouncy texture and versatility, grass jelly offers a unique culinary experience like no other. From its medicinal roots to modern innovative desserts, grass jelly has secured its place as an Asian specialty to try.
Sương Sáo Đen (Grass Jelly Dessert)
Notes
- Grass Jelly Variations: You can find pre-made grass jelly cubes at most Asian grocery stores. If using pre-made cubes, simply skip steps 1-3 and proceed to assembling the dessert.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You can also add other sweeteners like condensed milk or honey.
- Toppings Inspiration: Get creative with your toppings! Other options include sliced fresh fruits (mango, strawberries), toasted coconut flakes, tapioca pearls, or shaved ice.
- Serving Cold: Sương Sáo Đen is best enjoyed chilled. Prepare it ahead of time for a refreshing and cool dessert.
Ingredients
- Grass jelly powder: 1 packet (around 1.8 oz)
- Water: 4 1/3 cups
- Sugar: 2 1/2 teaspoons
- Red bean paste: 1 can
- Lychee: To taste
- Half and half creamer: To taste
Instructions
- Blooming the Grass Jelly: In a bowl, combine the grass jelly powder and 1 cup of water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the powder to bloom and soften.
- Cooking the Grass Jelly: In a saucepan, bring the remaining 3 1/3 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the bloomed grass jelly mixture and sugar. Stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. There should be no lumps.
- Setting the Grass Jelly: Pour the hot grass jelly mixture into a shallow container or mold. Let it cool slightly at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight, until the grass jelly is completely set and firm.
- Serving: Cut the set grass jelly into cubes or desired shapes.
- Assemble and Enjoy: In a serving bowl, add the grass jelly cubes. Top with your favorite toppings like red bean paste, chopped lychee, and a drizzle of half and half creamer.
Nutrition Facts
Sương Sáo Đen (Grass Jelly Dessert)
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 2g | 3.1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0 | |
| Sodium 20mg | 0.8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0 | |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% | |
| Sugars 30g | ||
| Protein 2g | ||
| 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.
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