Grass Jelly: What It Is and Why Itʼs So Popular

Looking for a dessert that's light, refreshing, and different from the usual sugary overload? It may be time to try out grass jelly – a bit of a legend in the Asian dessert world, and for good reason!

What is Grass Jelly?

Ever stumbled across a wobbly, dark jelly and wondered what on earth it was? Chances are, it was grass jelly.

Origins and Cultural Significance

This unique jelly has been around for ages, especially in East Asian and Southeast Asian countries like China and Taiwan. Far from being just a simple sweet treat, grass jelly carries cultural weight and is often associated with traditions and remedies passed down through generations. Grass jelly is also valued for its cooling properties, making it a popular choice to combat the tropical heat and humidity.

Texture, Taste, and Appearance

Grass jelly is smooth and jelly-like, not far off from jello. The taste is mild, a little bit herbal and earthy, which makes it great for adding to all sorts of yummy toppings. Appearance-wise, it's usually a deep, clear black, giving it an interesting look.

Is Grass Jelly Good for You?

Believe it or not, it can be! While it's a treat, grass jelly also has some nice little perks.

Surprising Grass Jelly Benefits

Here’s what this all-natural dessert has to offer:

• Low in calories: If you're watching what you eat, grass jelly is a lighter choice compared to many other sweets.
• Hydrating: Because it has a lot of water, it's a nice way to cool down and get some fluids, especially on a hot day.
• Source of fibre: It can give you a little bit of fibre, which is always good for your tummy.
• “Cooling” treat: In traditional Chinese medicine, it's often used for its cooling and cleansing effects, expelling heat from the body.

Light and Guilt-Free

Fancy something sweet without feeling too full afterwards? Grass jelly is light and refreshing, so you can enjoy it without feeling like you've gone overboard. It’s the perfect little pick-me-up.

Grass Jelly Nutritional Value

While it doesn't have loads of vitamins and minerals, the calories in grass jelly are naturally low. Its main appeal is its lovely texture and subtle flavour, making it a fantastic base for healthier desserts and drinks. Think of it as a blank canvas ready for some fruity or sweet additions.

Grass Jelly in Modern Desserts & Drinks

Now for the fun part: here’s where you can actually find and enjoy this yummy stuff! Grass jelly has become quite popular in modern food, showing up in all sorts of tasty creations.

Popular Grass Jelly Desserts in Australia

Grass jelly has slowly but surely made its way into the local dessert scene, featuring delicious combinations like:

• Grass jelly with fruit and sweet syrup: A classic for a reason! Fresh, juicy fruits like mango, strawberries, and watermelon with wobbly grass jelly and a drizzle of sweet syrup.
• Grass jelly with coconut milk: Smooth, creamy coconut milk mixed with cool cubes of grass jelly. It’s like a mini tropical escape for your taste buds.
• Grass jelly with taro balls and sweet potato balls: Chewy, bouncy taro and sweet potato balls mixed with the smooth jelly — a fun mix of textures.
• Grass jelly shaved ice: Perfect way to beat the heat! Light, fluffy shaved ice topped with grass jelly and your favourite bits and pieces.

How Grass Jelly is Used in Bubble Tea & Drinks

What makes a grass jelly drink so appealing? Beyond the refreshing liquid, it's the addition of grass jelly itself. Grass jelly usually pops up in bubble tea, adding a unique texture and mild flavour to your go-to milky or fruity beverage. Those little jelly cubes just make each sip a bit more interesting.

What it Pairs Best With

Grass jelly is pretty versatile and goes well with lots of flavours. Think sweet and tropical fruits, creamy coconut milk, rich brown sugar syrup, and even a splash of evaporated milk for extra richness. Its gentle flavour means it won't overpower other things, but complement them instead.

Discover Grass Jelly at A Sweet in Burwood Brickworks

Keen to try this interesting ingredient? Well, you're in luck! Among Burwood Brickworks’ diverse range of dining options, you can find A Sweet right on Eat Street. Not only is grass jelly their specialty, they also have a tempting selection of Asian sweet treats to choose from. Enjoy their chilled grass jelly desserts, which can be enjoyed with syrup, honey, or fresh fruits, offering a subtly refreshing and herbal flavour profile.

Beyond their signature grass jelly, they also feature a diverse menu of cool and refreshing options, complemented by a selection of fantastic milk teas. Each dessert at A Sweet is crafted to deliver a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, promising a satisfying experience for any sweet tooth!

Explore Burwood Brickworks

While you're visiting, why not have a wander around Burwood Brickworks? It's a great spot with vibrant local shops, a welcoming feel, and other tasty things to discover. It’s a nice place to spend some time, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe treat yourself to a bit more than just grass jelly (though we do recommend starting with that!).

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can kids eat grass jelly?

Absolutely! Grass jelly is generally a mild and enjoyable treat for children. Just be mindful of any added sugars or toppings, and perhaps offer it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It can be a refreshing and interesting alternative to more traditional desserts.

2. Is grass jelly suitable for diabetics?

For those managing diabetes, unsweetened grass jelly can be an option. The key is what you pair it with. Opting for no-sugar or low Glycemic Index (GI) ingredients is the way to go. Think unsweetened soy milk, chia seeds, or fruits that release their sugars more slowly, like berries. If you're choosing a pre-packaged grass jelly, it's always a smart move to have a peek at the nutrition label to keep an eye on the sugar content. As always, it's best to chat with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalised advice.

3. Is grass jelly healthier than boba?

Generally speaking, grass jelly can be a lighter choice compared to your typical boba (bubble tea). Many boba drinks contain added sugars, sweetened condensed milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, which can contribute to a higher calorie and carbohydrate count.

Grass jelly itself is naturally low in calories and sugar. However, the overall healthiness will depend on what's added to the grass jelly. If you pair it with fresh fruit and minimal added sweeteners, it's likely to be a healthier option than a traditional, fully loaded boba.

4. Is grass jelly actually made of grass?

While it's called "grass" jelly, it's not made from the grass you might find in your backyard. The magic ingredient is Chinese mesona, which is actually a type of mint! The leaves and stalks of this plant are boiled, and their natural properties create that unique jelly-like texture we all enjoy.