Osmanthus Flower Jelly

Materials:

Dried osmanthus flowers: The key ingredient for the unique floral aroma.
Gelatin powder: The binding agent for the jelly.
Sugar: To sweeten the jelly.
Water: For steeping the osmanthus and dissolving the gelatin.
Optional: Goji berries or other fruits for added texture and flavor.
Molds: For shaping the jelly. Koi fish molds are traditional but any shape can be used.

Production Steps:

1. Prepare the Osmanthus Infusion:
   Bring 300ml of water to a boil.
   Add 2 tablespoons of dried osmanthus flowers to the hot water.
   Let steep for 5 minutes, creating a fragrant osmanthus tea.
   Strain the tea into a bowl and set aside.
2. Bloom the Gelatin:
   In a separate bowl, add 20g of gelatin powder to a ladleful of hot water.
   Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This prevents clumping.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   In a pot, combine the remaining 300ml of water and 90g of sugar.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves.
   Carefully add the dissolved gelatin to the sugar syrup, stirring constantly.
   Gradually pour the osmanthus tea into the mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
   If using goji berries, soak them in warm water for a few minutes, then drain.
   Add the soaked goji berries to the jelly mixture.
5. Pour into Molds:
   Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring into molds.
   If using koi fish molds, ensure they are clean and dry.
   Distribute the mixture evenly among the molds.
6. Set the Jelly:
   Refrigerate the molds until the jelly is completely set, usually for several hours.
7. Unmold and Serve:
   Carefully unmold the jelly onto serving plates.
   Serve chilled with a light drizzle of honey or syrup, if desired. Tips:
   For a stronger osmanthus flavor, increase the amount of dried flowers used.
   Adjust the sugar amount to your taste preference.
   Experiment with different molds and additional ingredients like lychee or rose petals.
   Store leftover jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and aromatic osmanthus flower jelly that is perfect for enjoying on its own or as a dessert.