Grass Jelly: A Cooling Treat

Grass jelly, made from Mesona chinensis, is a popular, cooling herbal jelly enjoyed in East and Southeast Asia. Known for its mild, earthy taste, it offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, regulating blood sugar and acting as an antioxidant. Traditionally used for its cooling properties, it is often consumed in desserts or drinks, paired with ingredients like soya milk and Bandung. Grass jelly continues to be a refreshing, versatile treat, loved for both its heritage and modern adaptations.

Disclaimer The health benefits of grass jelly mentioned in this post are based on traditional uses and early studies. Individual results may vary. If you have specific health concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.

Grass Jelly: A Cooling and Refreshing Tradition

Grass jelly, also known as cincau or liangfen, is a beloved herbal jelly made from the leaves of Mesona chinensis, a plant native to East and Southeast Asia. Known for its cooling properties and slightly bitter, earthy taste, grass jelly has long been consumed as a refreshing dessert or mixed into beverages.

A Family Tradition

For me, grass jelly holds a special place in my heart. My late paternal grandfather’s recipe was a cherished part of our family traditions, passed down to my mother and now sadly lost, as no one in my generation took it up. It is a bittersweet reminder of simpler times and how the family recipe, once a shared treasure, is now just a memory. My mum never left behind the details, and it’s now a piece of my past that remains out of reach.

Health Benefits of Grass Jelly

Beyond its refreshing taste, grass jelly offers a variety of health benefits:

Cooling and Detoxifying

In traditional Chinese medicine, grass jelly is considered cooling (yin energy), helping to reduce body heat and prevent heat-related ailments like ulcers, sore throat and acne.

Aids Digestion

With its dietary fiber content, grass jelly promotes digestion and can alleviate constipation. It’s often consumed after heavy or oily meals to ease the digestive process.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Some studies suggest grass jelly may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid for people with diabetes. With its low glycemic index, it is a common sugar-free dessert alternative.

Rich in Antioxidants

Grass jelly contains polyphenols and flavonoids, compounds that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Low in Calories and Fat-Free

Naturally low in calories and fat, grass jelly is a guilt-free dessert, although the addition of sweet syrups or condensed milk increases its calorie content.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure

There are claims, both traditional and preliminary studies, that grass jelly may aid in lowering high blood pressure, though further research is needed.

Hydrating and Refreshing

Often served chilled, grass jelly provides a hydrating and refreshing experience, making it a popular choice, especially in hot weather.

How to Enjoy Grass Jelly

Grass jelly is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

As a chilled dessert: Served with syrup, coconut milk or fresh fruit.

Mixed into drinks: Popular pairings include iced milk tea, soy milk and herbal teas.

Added to shaved ice desserts: Often featured in treats like ais kacang or cendol.

Grass Jelly vs. Herbal Jelly

While grass jelly and herbal jelly both belong to the cooling jelly family in Chinese cuisine, they are distinct from one another:

Grass Jelly (仙草, Xiān Cǎo): Made from the Mesona chinensis plant, it has a mildly bitter, earthy taste and is typically black or dark brown. It is considered a lighter, more dessert-like jelly.

Herbal Jelly (龟苓膏, Guī Líng Gāo): Traditionally made with turtle shell powder and medicinal herbs, it has a stronger bitter taste and a firmer texture. It is consumed for its medicinal benefits, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.

The key differences lie in the main ingredients, taste, texture and their intended purposes — grass jelly is lighter and more refreshing, while herbal jelly offers stronger medicinal benefits.

Pairings You Must Try

Grass Jelly + Bandung: The combination of grass jelly and Bandung (rose syrup with condensed milk) creates a refreshing drink where the bitter notes of grass jelly balance the sweetness of the syrup. This pairing is common in Southeast Asia, and the cooling taste of grass jelly adds a unique depth to the sweetness of the rose syrup.

Grass Jelly + Soya Milk: A classic pairing in many Asian desserts and drinks, the smooth, nutty flavor of soya milk complements the chewy texture of grass jelly. It’s light, refreshing and widely loved as a comforting drink.

Grass Jelly + Yogurt Drink: While it’s not a common pairing, mixing grass jelly with yogurt can create an interesting contrast. Yogurt’s creamy, tangy texture may overpower the subtle herbal notes of grass jelly, but a sweetened yogurt drink (like mango or lychee-flavored) may balance the flavors more effectively. For those who enjoy experimenting with different textures and flavors, this combination could be worth trying!

How to Make Grass Jelly: A Simple Recipe

Making your own grass jelly at home can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a traditional method:

Ingredients:

• 20g dried Mesona chinensis leaves
• 1 liter of water
• 30g tapioca starch
• Sweet syrup (optional, for serving)

Utensils Needed:

• Large pot
• Strainer or cheesecloth
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Tray or mold
• Knife
• Refrigerator

Instructions:

• Boil the dried Mesona chinensis leaves in water for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the liquid is dark and infused with the herb.
• Strain the liquid to remove the leaves.
• Mix the tapioca starch with a little water to create a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the herbal liquid, stirring constantly over low heat until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.
• Pour the mixture into a mold and let it cool to set.
• Once set, cut the jelly into cubes or strips and serve chilled with syrup, coconut milk or fresh fruit.

Grass jelly is a deliciously versatile treat that can be served in various ways, from desserts to beverages. Its cooling properties make it especially refreshing on warm days, while its unique flavor and texture bring a nostalgic connection to my family’s past.

Whether you enjoy it with soya milk, Bandung or even yogurt, grass jelly offers endless possibilities for experimentation. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s a taste of tradition, culture and memories.