Grass jelly facts for kids

Grass jelly, also known as leaf jelly, is a popular jelly-like dessert. It's enjoyed in many parts of Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. This unique treat has a mild, slightly bitter taste and is often served chilled.

What is Grass Jelly?

Grass jelly is a dark, jiggly dessert that looks a bit like black jelly. It's made from a special plant called Platostoma palustre. This plant is part of the mint family. The leaves and stems of the plant are boiled with a little starch to create the jelly.

How is Grass Jelly Made?

Making grass jelly involves a few steps. First, the dried leaves and stems of the Platostoma palustre plant are boiled in water. This process extracts the natural gelling agents from the plant. After boiling, the liquid is strained to remove any plant bits. Then, a small amount of starch, like tapioca starch or cornstarch, is added. This helps the mixture thicken and set into a firm jelly as it cools down.

How to Enjoy Grass Jelly

Grass jelly is usually served cold, which makes it a refreshing treat, especially in warm climates. It's very versatile and can be eaten in many ways:

• With toppings: People often add fresh fruit, condensed milk, or syrup to their grass jelly.
• In drinks: It's a common ingredient in popular drinks like bubble tea. You might find it in other sweet beverages too.
• As a simple dessert: Sometimes, it's just served plain with a little sugar water.

Where to Find Grass Jelly

While it's a staple in Asian countries, you can also find grass jelly outside of Asia. Many Asian supermarkets sell it in cans or ready-to-eat containers. You might also find it at Asian restaurants or dessert shops.

Images for kids

• 

  Green grass jelly

• 

  Chaokuai sold on the Sunday Walking Street market in Chiang Mai, Thailand