As you may know, the popularity of Bubba is everywhere these days. This tea holds a special place in people’s hearts. Now people also have the option of making this drink at home.
Today the internet is filled with thousands of recipes that guide you on how to easily make boba balls or fruit jelly at home. The addition of jelly to the boba tea topping makes it even more delicious and lychee comes in at number one.
The addition of lychee not only makes your bubble tea tastier, but it’s also a great way to beat the heat. So today in this blog we will tell you how to make lychee jelly at home so that it gives a fruity twist to your taste buds.
Lychee jelly
It is a delightful and cool treat produced from tropical lychee fruit commonly found in Asian supermarkets.
Its delicious and distinct flavor is a blend of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, cream, sweet citrus, and a hint of rose water, making it ideal for fruit tea and readily available at your local supermarket.
The jelly-like texture is comparable to that of grapes, making it a tasty snack on its own or as a topping for other delicacies. You can use boba lychee jelly as an alternative topping.
Many people use this jelly to make boba tea. It is a tasty beverage made of tea, milk (such as coconut milk or fruit juice), sugar, and tapioca pearls.
How to Make Lychee Jelly
A gelling agent, the magical wand that converts a liquid into a deliciously jiggly dessert, is the main ingredient in lychee jelly. There are two primary candidates for this position: agar agar and gelatin.
Agar Agar
It is derived from seaweed and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It sets at lower temperatures than gelatin, making it perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want your jelly to melt before you can eat it. Agar agar has a harder texture, providing a pleasing bite that suits bubble tea well.
Gelatin
It is a classic dessert ingredient, that comes from animal collagen. It sets at slightly higher temperatures than agar agar, resulting in a softer, more jiggly texture. While not vegan, gelatin may be a suitable choice.
A Basic Recipe
Now, let’s get down to the fun part – crafting your lychee jelly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder (or 2 tablespoons gelatin)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned lychees, drained and chopped
- ½ cup lychee syrup (from the canned lychees)
Instructions
Hydrate the Gelling Agent
In a small saucepan, combine water and agar agar powder (or gelatin). Allow it to sit for 5 minutes so that the agar can bloom and absorb the water.
Sugar Symphony
Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking regularly, until the agar or gelatin is completely dissolved. Once it dissolved then whisk in the sugar until completely absorbed. Bring the mixture to a boil for approximately a minute, making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Lychee Love
Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped lychees and lychee syrup.
Setting the Stage
Pour the boiling jelly mixture into a shallow jar (a baking dish is ideal). Allow to cool slightly at room temperature before moving to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until totally hard.
Boba Bliss
Once set, remove the jelly from its container. Cut it into cubes for a traditional boba experience or use a spoon to scoop out small pearls. Now it’s time to put your bubble tea masterpiece together.
Tips for Success
Keep whisking
If heating the agar or gelatin mixture, stir constantly to prevent it from coagulating and ensure a smooth jelly.
Temperature matters
You should not let the mixture boil too long when making the jelly, as this can break down the jelly properties of agar agar.
Cool down time
Allow the jelly to cool slightly before refrigerating. This prevents air bubbles from developing.
Experiment with taste buds
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors! Rather, you will feel happy by making and drinking it yourself.
Benefits of Lychee Jelly
While lychee jelly itself isn’t a powerhouse of nutrients, there are some potential benefits you should know. Let’s see
Trace Vitamins and Minerals
Lychee fruit contains small amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals. However, the amount used in jelly is likely minimal, so the nutritional impact is negligible.
Gelling Agent
Fiber Boost
Agar agar is a popular gelling agent for boba jelly. It contains a good amount of soluble fiber. This type of fiber can promote gut health and digestion.
Low in Calories
Agar agar itself is very low in calories, making lychee jelly a relatively guilt-free treat.
Hydration
The main component of lychee jelly in boba tea is water, which contributes to overall hydration.
Dietary Choice
For those who follow a vegan diet, agar agar offers a plant-based alternative to gelatin for creating jelly.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Gather Ingredients | Gather the necessary ingredients for making lychee jelly at home, including lychee fruit, gelatin or agar agar powder, sugar, and water. |
| Prepare Lychee Puree | Peel and pit the lychee fruit, then blend the flesh until smooth to create lychee puree. Alternatively, you can use canned lychee fruit or lychee juice for convenience. |
| Dissolve Gelatin | If using gelatin, dissolve it in warm water according to the package instructions. If using agar agar powder, mix it with water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer until completely dissolved. |
| Mix Ingredients | Combine the lychee puree, dissolved gelatin or agar agar mixture, and sugar in a bowl, stirring until well combined. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. |
| Pour into Molds | Pour the lychee jelly mixture into individual molds or a large baking dish, then refrigerate until set. |
| Slice and Serve | Once the lychee jelly has set, remove it from the molds and slice into desired shapes. Serve the lychee jelly on its own as a refreshing treat, or add it to drinks, desserts, or fruit salads for added flavor and texture. |
Important Factors
Sugar Content
Lychee jelly recipes often include a substantial quantity of sugar. To avoid eating too much sugar, keep your portion proportions in check.
Artificial Flavor
Some commercially prepared lychee jelly may contain synthetic tastes and colors. Choosing handmade versions gives you control over the ingredients. With AKI Supplies you may enhance your boba jelly experience. It is the best supplier that gives high-quality boba jellies, coffee, teas, and many other food items. It is simply the best store.
Conclusion
With sufficient planning, you can make restaurant-quality lychee jelly for your bubble tea at home. This adaptable recipe allows you to change the flavors and textures, making it an enjoyable culinary excursion.
Read Also: How to Make Popping Boba Yourself at Home
This book will teach you all you need to know about boba jelly, including the science behind the gelling agent and how to use fresh or canned lychee. So fetch your supplies, unleash your imagination, and prepare to upgrade your bubble tea experience!
FAQ’s
Q1) Is lychee jelly healthier than boba?
Opting for bubble tea with lychee jelly instead of boba balls can be a healthier choice. Lychee jelly typically contains fewer calories and less sugar compared to the starchy tapioca pearls in boba. It can be a lighter alternative, reducing overall calorie intake while still providing a flavorful addition to the drink.
Q2) Is lychee jelly good in boba?
The Lychee jelly has a clearest white color that serves as a perfect topping to bubble teas and smoothies or even to shaved ice, frozen yogurt, or ice cream. Refrigerate after opening. You must be consumed within 3 months of opening.
Q3) What is the healthy nutrition in lychee?
Fresh lychee counts towards the two cups per day of fruit that experts recommend. It is an excellent vitamin C source and contains fiber and other vitamins and minerals. The plant compounds in lychee have antioxidant properties that are beneficial to health.
Q4) Is lychee jelly vegan?
Some bubble tea offers different boba ingredients than tapioca balls. Luckily, most of them are vegan. Lychee jelly, grass jelly, rainbow jelly, and almost all other jellies are fine, as they’re made from sugar and other plant-based ingredients.
Q5) Is lychee expensive?
If it is quality you’re after, Velluti suggests treating yourself: “The lychees are sensational.” Though they’re not cheap – currently between $20 and $50 a kilo – you should still get in quick, as towards the end of January with the arrival of the lunar new year, demand will drive prices higher.
