Chrysanthemum and Goji Jelly
A delicate, jewel-like jelly set from fragrant chrysanthemum tea and sweetened with rock sugar, studded with ruby goji berries—a cooling, caffeine-free Chinese-style dessert.
This light jelly captures everything lovely about chrysanthemum tea in a wobbly, refreshing dessert. A clear chrysanthemum infusion is gently sweetened with rock sugar and set with agar, producing a delicate jelly with a soft floral aroma and a clean finish.
Goji berries are the perfect addition, both for their gentle sweetness and their ruby color, which glows like little jewels suspended in the pale gold jelly. Their traditional pairing with chrysanthemum makes this dessert feel rooted in Chinese tea culture.
Agar (a seaweed-derived setting agent) gives the jelly a clean, slightly firm bite that holds its shape beautifully, and it sets at room temperature—no gelatin required, making this dessert naturally vegetarian.
Serve the jelly chilled, cut into cubes or unmolded into small bowls, with a few extra goji berries on top. It is a cooling, caffeine-free end to a meal. A gentle reminder: chrysanthemum belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), so check for ragweed or daisy allergies before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 4 tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 3 tbsp dried goji berries (plus extra to garnish)
- 3 tbsp rock sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tsp agar powder
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How to make it
- 1Bring the water to a gentle simmer, add the chrysanthemum flowers, and steep off the heat for 8 minutes. Strain into a clean saucepan, discarding the flowers.
- 2Return the infusion to low heat, add the rock sugar and goji berries, and stir until the sugar dissolves and the goji plump slightly (about 3 minutes).
- 3Whisk in the agar powder and bring to a brief boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so the agar fully dissolves. Stir in lemon juice if using.
- 4Pour into a shallow dish or small molds, distributing the goji berries evenly, and let cool to room temperature until set (about 30–45 minutes).
- 5Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then cut into cubes or unmold, garnish with extra goji berries, and serve cold.
Want to learn more about Crisantemo? Visit its full profile.
Back to CrisantemoYou might also like
What to Eat with Chrysanthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum's light, floral sweetness pairs beautifully with delicate dim sum, steamed dumplings, and gentle Cantonese dishes—a cooling counterpoint to warm, savory food.
Chrysanthemum and Goji Steamed Chicken
Tender chicken steamed over a fragrant chrysanthemum and goji broth with ginger and scallion—a light, cooling, home-style Chinese dish.