Aiyu Jelly Dessert aka 爱玉冰 or 文頭郎 or 文头雪 is a refreshing and healthy Taiwanese popular summer dessert made of natural fig seeds. No sugar is added to the dessert and I love to enjoy it with longan, honey, and a little lime juice.
Place 20 g aiyu seeds into a clean mesh bag. Tie a tight knot around the bag to avoid the aiyu seeds leaking out during the 'washing'.Note: when you purchase the aiyu seeds, the mesh bag may come with the packaging.
20 g aiyu seeds
In a large bowl, add 1.3 litre tap water or mineral water. Gently rub the bag of aiyu seeds in the water. This process helps release the natural pectin from the aiyu seeds. The water will turn yellowish gradually. It takes about 5 minutes until the seeds no longer feel slimy. Discard the bag of seeds.Note: it's important to make sure there are no grease in the bowl. Otherwise the jelly will not form.
1.3 litre tap water or mineral water
Chill the bowl of aiyu mixture in the fridge for about 2 hours until the jelly is set and nicely chilled.
Open 1 can canned longan, drain off the sugar syrup and chill the longans in the fridge.
1 can canned longan
Cut some 2-3 limes.
2-3 limes
Assemble the dessert by scooping a few spoonful of the aiyu jelly into a bowl. Drizzle as much of the 1-2 tbsp Manuka honey over it, add as much longan as you like. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over it. Add some lime slices as decoration (optional).Enjoy it cold. Best served within 1 day.