There are so many types of drinks available on the food list. Nata Jelly is one of them. Though this is a popular drink, many people don’t know much about this jelly. They don’t know what this jelly is made from or how to eat it.
What is Nata Jelly? Nata Jelly is a type of dessert originating from Portugal that is made from coconut milk and agar-agar, a type of plant-based gelatine.
It is often served in a cup or bowl and is known for its jelly-like texture and sweet coconut flavor.
Though you get an idea about this jelly, some more valuable information is available that you must know before eating it.
To know them, you must read the whole discussion. Because this is full of valuable info, let’s start.
What is Nata Jelly?
Nata Jelly is a dessert made from pastry called “nata,” a Portuguese egg tart. The nata pastry is made with a creamy custard filling in a flaky crust and is often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or icing sugar on top.
Nata Jelly is a variation of the traditional nata, in which the custard is set into a jelly-like texture, usually by adding gelatin to the mixture. But its ingredients play a vital role in our health because they make the food valuable.?
What is Nata Jelly Made of?
Any food ingredient is vital in making this a good and healthy food. The same thing happens with Nata jelly. Nata jelly is made from eggs, milk, sugar, and gelatin.
The custard filling is typically flavored with vanilla or other seasonings and is set into a jelly-like texture with gelatin.
The custard filling is usually encased in a flaky pastry crust and is often served with a cinnamon or icing sugar sprinkle. The result is a sweet, creamy, and jelly-like dessert with a delicate flavor and texture.
How is Nata Jelly Made?
If you make nata jelly at home easily, obviously, you need to follow some steps. Now we discuss some easy steps to make nata jelly.
Here’s a step-by-step process for making nata jelly:
- Combine sugar, water, and the natural starch (cuttlefish or corn) in a pot.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in any desired flavorings or coconut milk.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and let it cool completely.
- Once the jelly is firm, remove it from the mold and slice it into desired shapes.
- Serve the nata jelly as a dessert or snack.
Are Coconut Jelly and Nata De Coco the Same?
It is worth mentioning that coconut jelly and nata de jelly are made from almost the same ingredients.
So, it can be said that both have some similarities. But the only difference is in its name.
Yes, Nata de Coco and Coconut Jelly refer to the same dessert. Nata de Coco is a Filipino term for coconut jelly, made from coconut water that has been fermented and then sweetened.
The dessert is known for its chewy texture and is commonly used in various sweet dishes.
Conclusion
Coconut jelly or nata jelly is not a very common food. That’s why most of us don’t know much about this.
But after reading this, you must get enough information to help you. You get a good lesson from this discussion if you can differentiate this from others.
That was all for today, and we hope you find enough info about this special jelly that is a completely unique and new drink for you.
You may read our other discussions on food from our new but growing pedia. Thanks for reading from us.
FAQs
What is Nata Jelly?
Nata Jelly, also known as Nata de Coco, is a chewy, translucent, jelly-like food produced by the fermentation of coconut water. It gels through the production of microbial cellulose by Komagataeibacter xylinus.
What is Nata Jelly Made of?
The primary ingredient in Nata Jelly is coconut water. Depending on the commercial preparation, it may also contain other ingredients such as high fructose syrup, sugar, citric acid, calcium lactate, potassium sorbate (as a preservative), xanthan gum, and coconut flavor.
What is the Origin of Nata Jelly?
Nata Jelly originated in the Philippines and was invented in 1949 by Teódula Kalaw África. It was created as an alternative to the traditional nata de piña, a similar gel-like dessert.
What is the Nutritional Content of Nata Jelly?
Nata Jelly has a modest nutritional profile. One cup (118 grams) contains approximately 109 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 7 grams of carbohydrates. It is also characterized as healthy due to its dietary fiber content.
How is Nata Jelly Used?
Nata Jelly is commonly sweetened and used as a candy or dessert. It can accompany various foods, including pickles, drinks, ice cream, puddings, and fruit cocktails.
What Does Nata Jelly Taste Like?
Nata Jelly has a mild, slightly acidic flavor in its raw form. However, sweetened with sugar or fruit juice makes it perfect for desserts and beverages.
How is Nata Jelly Produced Commercially?
Commercial production of Nata Jelly involves small farms in the Philippines, particularly in Laguna and Quezon. The process includes the fermentation of coconut water and subsequent processing into a jelly-like substance.
Can Nata Jelly Be Made at Home?
Yes, Nata Jelly can be made at home by fermenting coconut water with a Nata starter and following specific steps to ensure proper gelling and texture.
What Are the Health Benefits of Nata Jelly?
Nata Jelly is a low-calorie dessert that is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion. It also contains vitamins and minerals, although the search results do not detail specific health benefits.
Where Can Nata Jelly Be Purchased?
Nata Jelly can be found in Asian grocery stores, specialty food markets, and online stores. It is also available in various flavors and preparations.
