If you're looking for a delightful addition to your plant-based diet, vegan strawberry jelly is a great option. This easy recipe skips the use of gelatin, a common animal-derived ingredient, and instead uses vegan-friendly alternatives like agar agar, derived from red seaweed. Vegan strawberry jelly offers a clear appearance and a desired texture, making it perfect for desserts, snacks, or as a fruit spread. Natural strawberry flavor of fresh berries to make your plant-based jelly is better than artificial colors and artificial flavour. Let's explore how to create this treat while addressing some frequently asked questions about its vegan status and the food industry. Box of strawberries can make delicious recipes like strawberry jam, smoothie, ice creams, cake and instant crush.
Vegan jellies bring a nostalgic touch to birthday parties and Escape rewatches. For a real treat, serve them with peanut butter, pastry cream, or homemade jam. Fruit jellies, made with natural ingredients, are a great way to introduce vegan options to friends and family. Serve with or without vegan custard for a great dessert option
Ingredients
Creating vegan strawberry jelly requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Water
- agar agar (a gelling agent and a type of fiber)
- sugar (use a natural sweetener if you prefer a healthier alternative)
- Fresh strawberries (or another type of fruit, like grapes or citrus fruits)
- Optional: Red food coloring for enhanced appeal.
Step by step instructions
- Puree the strawberry with sugar
2. Take water in a pan, add agar agar powder . Start heating the pan,cook until the agar powder dissolves
3. Add the strawberry puree to the hot water,continue to cook until it comes to a boil.
4. Optionally add food color ,allow the mixture to cool down.
5. Pour the mix in silicon moulds or tray ,Allow to set ,allow to cool down
Take out the set jelly slowly from the moulds,Serve cold.
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Vegan strawberry jelly recipe
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder use ½ teaspoon agar agar for every 1 cup of liquid
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 250 gms fresh strawberries 250 gm strawberries yields 1 cup strawberry puree.
- Red food color optional if you want dark red color
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries with sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- Dissolve Agar Agar: In a saucepan, combine water and agar agar powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the agar completely dissolves.
- Combine and Cook: Add the strawberry puree to the hot agar agar mixture. Stir well and bring it to a gentle boil. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring for enhanced color.
- Cool and Set: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Pour into silicone molds or a shallow tray. Let it set at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
- Unmold and Serve: Carefully remove the jelly from molds or cut into desired shapes if using a tray. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Variations
Vegan strawberry jelly is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Fruit Chunks: Add fresh strawberry pieces to your strawberry jelly or combine with other fruits for a mixed fruit jelly.
- Thicker Spread: Reduce the water slightly for a jelly that works as a thicker spread, perfect for toast.
- Citrus Twist: Replace some water with apple juice or citrus fruit juice for a zesty flavor.
- Natural Sweeteners: Experiment with raw cane sugar, agave, maple syrup, coconut sugar or stevia instead of sugar.
Substitutions
- Gelling Agent: If agar agar isn't available, look for other plant-based alternatives like carrageenan.
- Fruit Choices: While strawberries are classic, substitute with grape jelly, citrus fruits, or any type of fruit for variety.
- Corn Syrups: Avoid high corn syrups by opting for low-sugar or refined-sugar-free options.
Is Jelly Vegan? A Guide for the Vegan Lifestyle
Following a vegan diet might leave you wondering about the vegan status of jelly." The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Although some jellies are vegan, others contain animal products, so they aren't suitable for vegans. We'll uncover vegan jelly options and yummy ways to savor it without sacrificing your principles.
The Role of Gelatin in Jelly
Gelatin's presence or absence is key to a jelly's vegan status. Jelly's firm texture comes from gelatin, produced from animal bones, connective tissues, and other by-products, and set by mixing with hot water then cooling. As a result, gelatin-based jellies like Hartley's Jelly Cubes and Hartley's Jelly Pots are not vegan.
Vegan-Friendly Gelling Agents
Fortunately, plant-based gelatin alternatives exist. Red algae or seaweed-based agar agar powder is a common alternative. This produces a clear look and the right texture in jellies. Other choices include chia seeds, forming a gel when wet, locust bean gum and fruit pectin, a natural thickener from citrus and apples.
Vegan Alternatives to Popular Jelly Products
If you are a vegan and want a sweet treat, try using vegan jelly powder made with seaweed extract or plant-based fiber. Brands such as Good Good focus on healthier options, providing jellies free of high fructose corn syrup and animal products. Make your own simple recipe with fresh fruit, vegetable juice, and agar agar powder-a delicious, customizable option for plant-based eaters.
Final Thoughts
Whether jams and jellies are vegan depends on what they contain. Check labels thoroughly and explore vegan options such as agar agar or chia seeds. This delicious addition to your plant-based lifestyle is now accessible thanks to the wide array of vegan products available.
FAQ
Jam typically contains fruit chunks and is a thicker spread, while jelly has a smoother consistency and often a clear appearance. Both can be made vegan by avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
The amount of sugar depends on your sweetness preference and the natural sweetness of the fruit. Taste as you go to achieve the balance you like.
Yes, vegan jelly stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it in an airtight container for freshness.
Jams, unlike jellies, frequently contain fruit pieces, whole fruit, or just fruit juice, thus being suitable for vegans. It's crucial to carefully check for hidden non-vegan ingredients, like gelatin or bone char in refined sugar. Many grocery stores now stock vegan jams and fruit spreads made with natural sweeteners and less added sugar.
Conclusion
Making a vegan classic strawberry jelly is a delightful addition to your repertoire of plant-based recipes. With great care in selecting ingredients and avoiding animal by-products, you can create a treat that's perfect for snacking, entertaining, or reliving old episodes of Escape with a nostalgic dessert. The good news is that vegan strawberry jelly is simple, versatile, and full of flavor.
bhavana bhatia says
excellent recipe