Homemade Herbal Jelly

Ingredients

• 30g turtle shell 30g turtle shell
• 20g black jelly fungus 20g black jelly fungus
• 10g dried Chinese herbs (such as chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and wolfberry) 10g dried Chinese herbs (such as chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and wolfberry)
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) water 1.5 liters (6 cups) water
• 100g rock sugar 100g rock sugar
• 10g agar-agar powder 10g agar-agar powder
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional) 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Fresh fruits or mint leaves for garnish (optional) Fresh fruits or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 20g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the turtle shell and black jelly fungus under cold water to remove any impurities. Soak them separately in water for 30 minutes until softened.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters (6 cups) of water to a boil. Add the soaked turtle shell, black jelly fungus, and dried Chinese herbs.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, allowing the flavors of the herbs to infuse into the liquid.
4. 4.
   Strain the herbal infusion through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids.
5. 5.
   Return the strained liquid to the pot and add rock sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, dissolve agar-agar powder in 1 cup of water. Add the agar-agar mixture to the pot and stir well.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in honey, if desired, for added sweetness.
9. 9.
   Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls or a large dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
10. 10.
    Serve chilled, garnished with fresh fruits or mint leaves if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turtle shell — Ensure that the turtle shell is sourced from a reputable supplier and is suitable for consumption. It is recommended to purchase pre-prepared turtle shell from Chinese herbal stores.
• Black jelly fungus — Make sure to thoroughly clean and soak the black jelly fungus to remove any dirt or impurities before using it in the recipe.
• Dried Chinese herbs — Use a combination of chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and wolfberry for a well-rounded flavor profile. Adjust the quantity of herbs according to personal preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother texture, blend the strained herbal infusion before adding the agar-agar mixture.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less rock sugar according to personal preference.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added visual appeal.
• To enhance the herbal flavors, let the mixture simmer for a longer duration, up to 3 hours, before straining.
• Store the homemade Guilinggao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade Guilinggao chilled as a refreshing dessert after a meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh fruits for added texture and flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the homemade Guilinggao in individual serving bowls or a large dish. Garnish with fresh fruits or mint leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.