Osmanthus flowers, with their delicate fragrance and subtly sweet flavor, are a treasured ingredient in Chinese cuisine. This captivating aroma translates beautifully into desserts, and few showcase it as elegantly as osmanthus flower jelly. This translucent, wobbly delight is surprisingly simple to make, offering a refreshing and aromatic treat perfect for warm evenings or a sophisticated end to a meal. Its delicate sweetness makes it a versatile dessert, equally enjoyable on its own or paired with other flavors.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of this exquisite jelly, transforming the enchanting scent of osmanthus into a delightful culinary experience. From preparing the osmanthus infusion to achieving the perfect set, we'll walk you through each stage ensuring a flawlessly smooth and fragrant result. Let's begin crafting this beautiful and delicious dessert!
Tools Needed
- Tea kettle
- Tea strainer
- Molds or small jars
Ingredients
- Dried osmanthus flowers
- Water
- Gelatin (regular or agar-agar)
- Goji berries
- Edible flower petals (optional)
- Lychees (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Osmanthus Tea and Bloom Gelatin
- Steep dried osmanthus flowers in boiling water for 10 minutes (using a tea kettle or strainer).
- Use the osmanthus tea to bloom gelatin (or agar-agar). Do NOT add gelatin directly to the boiling tea to prevent clumping.
- Once gelatin is completely dissolved, add the remaining osmanthus tea to the mixture and mix well.
Step 2. Set the Jelly
- Pour the mixture into molds or small jars.
- Add goji berries and/or flower petals to the molds. (It's recommended to add these after pouring the mixture into molds for even distribution)
Step 3. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate until set.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Lychees can be added for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies
- Fat: 0-1g
- Carbs: 5-10g
- Protein: 0-1g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy dried osmanthus flowers?
Dried osmanthus flowers are readily available online from Asian grocery stores or specialty tea shops. You may also find them in some larger supermarkets in the international foods aisle.
2. Can I use fresh osmanthus flowers instead of dried?
While possible, fresh osmanthus flowers are less readily available and their fragrance is more subtle. Dried flowers are generally preferred for a stronger osmanthus flavor in the jelly.
This simple osmanthus flower jelly recipe allows you to experience the captivating fragrance and delicate sweetness of this unique flower in a beautiful and refreshing dessert. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy the elegant result, and impress your friends and family with this delightful taste of Chinese culinary tradition.