- COOLNESS is the main character owned by grass jelly or daluman. When it comes to do refreshing and afford exotic dessert from Asia, Green Jelly stands out as one of the most unique and delightful treats. In tourism area across Bali, you will encounter some hawkers and eateries offering this.
Green jelly is a popular jelly-like dessert made from the leaves of daluman or Cyclea barbata plant. This plant originates from Southeast Asia, and its leaves are rich in starch and have a natural green color, hence the name “Green Jelly“.
Desserts are a common sight in various Asian countries and are symbols of their diverse culinary heritage. This time, The Village comes with Green Jelly to make a simple drink of it.
Daluman ice, for example, uses some additional ingredients such as coconut milk, palm sugar, lemongrass, and lime. You can easily buy these ingredients in most markets in Bali. If you just want to enjoy it, you can also purchase it from the many peddlers or roadside stalls on the island.
The process of making Green Jelly is a hereditary art. This involves harvesting the young leaves of the daluman plant, washing and crushing them and then straining them to extract the juice.
The extracted juice is then mixed with starch and water, and sometimes sweeteners are added to enhance the taste. The mixture is boiled until thickened and then allowed to cool and harden. Once it hardens, it becomes a semi-transparent green jelly with a slightly rubbery texture.
Green jelly can now be enjoyed in many ways, making it a versatile dessert. It is usually served in a bowl or cup, either as a stand-alone dessert or in combination with other ingredients to create fun new products. Some popular serving options include:
Green Jelly with Sweet Syrup
This classic and straightforward serving style involves drizzling the jelly with a sweet syrup, often made from brown sugar or palm sugar, to add a touch of sweetness to the refreshing taste of the jelly.
Green Jelly with Coconut Milk
To enhance the taste and creaminess, some people enjoy Green Jelly with coconut milk which is rich and aromatic.
Green Jelly with Fresh Fruits
For a touch of fruity flavor, the dessert can be garnished with an assortment of fresh fruit such as mango, lychee, jackfruit or litchi, adding visual interest and a natural burst of sweetness.
Grass Jelly with Ice Cream
Combining gelatin with a scoop of ice cream creates an indulgent treat that balances the cooling properties of jelly with the creamy goodness of ice cream.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste and unique texture, green jelly offers several potential health benefits. The daluman plant is loaded with antioxidants, and the dessert itself is low in calories, making it a guilt-free choice for those watching their sugar intake.
Additionally, jelly is often served chilled, providing a refreshing escape from the hot and humid weather, which is common in many Asian countries.
Green Jelly has cultural significance throughout Asia, including Bali (Indonesia). It is not only considered a delicious dessert but is also associated with various traditional beliefs. In some areas of the homeland, it is believed to have cool properties and making it a popular treat during the summer months. It is also served during certain festivals and celebrations as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Green Jelly is a delightful Asian dessert that brings together a harmonious blend of taste, texture and cultural significance. The refreshing properties and versatility have made it a dessert loved across communities and generations.
Whether you enjoy it with sweet syrup, coconut milk, fresh fruits, or ice cream, Green Jelly promises to treat your taste buds on an unforgettable and exotic journey through Asia’s vibrant culinary world.
