Ai Yu Jelly (Lemon)
Aiyu jelly (lemon) is a traditional dessert originating from Taiwan, particularly enjoyed during the hot season as a refreshing jelly sweet. Its main ingredient, aiyu seeds, is harvested from a plant native to Taiwan, and is notable for naturally forming a jelly-like texture when the seeds are rubbed with water. The dessert is widely served at night markets and street stalls throughout Taiwan and is often complemented with lemon syrup or similar flavorings to provide a light, refreshing taste.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 50 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/4/2023
- Food Travel Log
- A guilt-free excuse for indulging, Aiyu Jelly. This cold, sweet drink with plenty of lemon-flavored jelly is refreshingly soothing. It’s okay even when full, as it’s likely low-calorie. Plus, it’s made from a plant unique to Taiwan, so it’s a must-try. Reasons not to do something and reasons to eat seem oddly similar.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Aiyu Jelly (Lemon) is one of Taiwan’s representative traditional sweets, a refreshing dessert especially favored during the humid and hot Taiwanese summer. Its main ingredient is the seeds of "aiyuzi" (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang), a plant native to Taiwan; by adding water and rubbing the seeds, their natural gelling properties are utilized to solidify the mixture into a jelly. This method features a purely plant-derived, natural texture without the use of additives or gelatin. Particularly at Ningxia Night Market, famous for vibrant street food culture in Taipei, aiyu jelly is a popular offering available in various styles.
Preparation and Characteristics
The method of making aiyu jelly is unique: the seeds of the aiyu plant are placed in a cloth pouch and rubbed by hand in water, causing polysaccharides to dissolve and quickly gel into a jelly. This process results in a refreshing, slushy texture and a pleasantly jiggly mouthfeel. The jelly itself is nearly tasteless and is commonly flavored with syrups made from lemon, lime, or honey. At Ningxia Night Market, the syrup made with fresh lemons highlights a balanced combination of sweetness, tartness, and cooling refreshment.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Aiyu jelly is low in calories and contains almost no fats or cholesterol, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals and those on a diet. Adding lemon, which is rich in Vitamin C, is believed to enhance antioxidant properties, provide skincare benefits, and boost immunity. Furthermore, the dietary fiber derived from aiyu seeds is reported to aid intestinal health. Traditionally in Taiwan and within Chinese communities, aiyu jelly is enjoyed as a summer tonic or refreshing drink and is believed locally to have a “body-cooling” effect.
History and Cultural Background
Aiyu seeds were discovered in the mountainous regions of central Taiwan from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and have long been eaten as a folk remedy or snack. It was only in modern times that aiyu jelly began to be offered at night markets in Taipei, where it has become a staple of Taiwanese cuisine and street food. Outside Taiwan, it can sometimes be found in Taiwanese immigrant communities or at Chinese restaurants, but authentic, fresh aiyu jelly is still mainly available at street stalls in Taiwan itself.
Differences Between Aiyu Jelly and Other Jellies
Aiyu jelly represents a completely different food culture from Japanese or Western jellies made with gelatin or agar. It is distinct in its avoidance of animal-based ingredients, the difficulty in procuring the raw materials, and its unique texture and fragrance. Outside Taiwan, the original aiyu plant is difficult to obtain, making authentic aiyu jelly rare. Locally, a variety of toppings such as lemon, calamansi, and honey are enjoyed, though the plain jelly itself is also appreciated for its refreshing quality.
Summary
Aiyu Jelly (Lemon) has long been cherished as a traditional, plant-based sweet perfectly suited to Taiwan’s hot and humid climate. From the stalls of Taipei's Ningxia Night Market to the broader world of local food, it is beloved by both tourists and locals alike. For those seeking a healthy, all-natural, and cool-tasting treat, it is an indispensable Taiwanese soul food.