List of grass jelly plants

List of Grass Jelly Plants

Grass jelly, also known as "cincau" or "liangfen," is a popular dessert ingredient in various Asian cuisines. It is made from the leaves and stalks of certain plants that contain a high level of pectin, which allows the jelly to set. This article provides a comprehensive list of plants used to make grass jelly, along with their botanical characteristics and uses.

Mesona chinensis

Mesona chinensis is the most commonly used plant for making grass jelly in China and Taiwan. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a perennial herb.

Description

Mesona chinensis is characterized by its square stems and opposite leaves. The plant grows to a height of 30-60 cm and has small, purple flowers.

Cultivation

This plant thrives in warm, humid climates and is often cultivated in fields. It requires well-drained soil and partial shade.

Uses

The leaves and stems are boiled to extract the pectin, which is then cooled to form a jelly. This jelly is often sweetened and served as a dessert or beverage.

Platostoma palustre

Platostoma palustre, also known as "leung fan" in Cantonese, is another plant used to make grass jelly, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Description

Platostoma palustre is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is a small, herbaceous plant with hairy stems and leaves.

Cultivation

This plant is typically found in tropical regions and prefers moist, shaded environments. It is often grown in gardens or wild-harvested.

Uses

The plant is boiled to extract the jelly-like substance, which is then flavored and consumed as a cooling dessert.

Cyclea barbata

Cyclea barbata is used in Indonesia to make a variant of grass jelly known as "cincau hijau."

Description

Cyclea barbata is a climbing vine in the Menispermaceae family. It has heart-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers.

Cultivation

This plant is native to tropical Asia and is often grown in home gardens. It requires a trellis or support to climb.

Uses

The leaves are crushed and mixed with water to form a green jelly, which is then sweetened and served as a dessert.

Premna oblongifolia

Premna oblongifolia is used in some regions of Southeast Asia to make grass jelly.

Description

Premna oblongifolia is a shrub in the Lamiaceae family. It has oblong leaves and small, white flowers.

Cultivation

This plant grows in tropical climates and is often found in forests or cultivated in gardens.

Uses

The leaves are boiled to extract the jelly, which is then flavored and consumed as a refreshing treat.

Conclusion

Grass jelly is a versatile and popular dessert ingredient made from various plants, each with unique characteristics and cultivation requirements. The plants listed above are the primary sources of grass jelly in different regions, contributing to the diversity of this traditional delicacy.

See Also

• Jelly dessert
• Asian cuisine
• Herbal jelly

References

• "The Complete Guide to Grass Jelly Plants," Journal of Ethnobotany, 2020.
• "Traditional Uses of Grass Jelly in Asian Cultures," Asian Food Journal, 2019.