This refreshing home made Blood Orange Jelly (or orange jello depending on where you live in the world) is a delicious and healthy treat, made with fresh orange juice and coconut water. It’s a great option for a light dessert or a snack, and it’s easy to customise for various dietary preferences. I especially love to make this when juicy blood oranges are in season.
My kids number one favourite treat right now is any type of jelly and they’ve rated this, their absolute favourite flavour (for the moment anyway).
Health benefits
Oranges are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, when oranges and lemons are in season, their nutrient levels are at their best so that’s the time to make this jelly. The addition of coconut water also offers natural electrolytes. The gelatin used here supports gut health, joint function, and skin elasticity, making this not only delicious but also nourishing.
Gelatin is made from the bone and connective tissue of animals that has been dried and turned into a powder. I have written about the benefits of gelatin in this post about bone broth. As I’ve always stated, eating whole food sources of any nutrient is best, so consuming bone broth regularly is the most nutrient dense way to consume gelatin. But for a tasty treat, making a batch of jelly is a delicious way to include additional gelatin in your diet.
I like to use THIS gelatin to make gummies or jelly.
Ingredients
This orange jelly recipe calls for freshly squeezed blood orange juice (or regular orange juice), coconut water, a bit of rice malt syrup or honey for sweetness (optional), lemon juice, and grass-fed or organic gelatin. For a smoother jelly, you can strain the juice, though leaving the pulp adds extra fibre.
How to make this blood orange jelly
Start by warming the coconut water and optional sweetener in a small pot. Sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid gradually, stirring after each addition. Once dissolved, combine the coconut water mixture with the freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices. Pour into molds or a bowl and refrigerate until set.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve the jelly chilled, either on its own or with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Vary this blood orange jelly to suit your needs
To make this blood orange jelly recipe low-fructose, use rice malt syrup as the sweetener. For a coconut-free version, substitute the coconut water with water kefir or kombucha. Vegetarians and vegans can try setting the jelly with agar-agar instead of gelatin, though adjustments may be needed for the best results.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
For more delicious, healthy and easy to make wholefood treats, click HERE.
Ingredients
- 500 ml freshly squeezed blood orange juice (or regular orange juice) (2 cups)
- 120 ml coconut water (½ cup)
- 1-2 tbsp rice malt syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 lemon/s -juice
- 3 tbsp grass-fed or organic gelatin
Method
- Place the coconut water and sweetener into a small pot and heat for a minute to lukewarm.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid, stirring after each tablespoon. For a traditional jelly set use 2 tablespoons, for a firmer, more gummy-lolly-like consistency, add 3 tablespoons.
- If the gelatin doesn't completely dissolve, you can pop your pot back on the heat for a minute (only heat to luke warm), stirring well.
- Juice your oranges and lemons and mix with the coconut water mixture. Personally, I don't strain any bits of pulp, but feel free to if you want a jelly with a really smooth consistency.
- Pour into a bowl or moulds, and set in the fridge.
Store
- Airtight in the fridge.
Variations
Low-fructose
Choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener.Coconut-free
Replace the coconut water with water keffir or kombucha.Vegetarian and vegan
Set with agar-agar (I haven't recipe tested this as yet).Other jelly recipes you might like:
I love to receive your feedback and welcome any questions. Post your comment or questions below.
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Natalie says
What a simple and delicious recipe. My 7yo is not feeling very well and I knew some jelly would make him feel better. The blood oranges I bought were so juicy – it was perfect. I had recently purchased the Australian gelatin you mentioned and it was excellent.
Georgia Harding says
That’s awesome to know Natalie. Hope he is better now G x
Joe says
Hi Georgia,
I’m just wondering if you have made the jelly mixture in the thermomix before?
Thanks,
Joe
Georgia Harding says
Yes Joe I do often. Blend it at a about speed 4 for a minute or so. The only thing that changes is it can be a bit bubbly on top when it sets but we don’t mind that. Enjoy G
Joe says
Thank you so much! Do you heat it as you’re blending?
Georgia Harding says
Very gently (37 degrees)
Sharna says
These look great! Can I ask, do your kids prefer the jelly or the gummy like consistency? And if you use 3 tablespoons do you find you can taste the gelatin?
Georgia Harding says
I have one in each camp Sharna. My eldest has never been a fan of gelatinous textures so she prefers it firmer. No, I have never tasted any gelatin with the brands I use. Georgia x
Kristy Miles says
Hi Gerogia, I was only able to get gelatin leaves. Could I use these and what would an approx conversion be?
Thanks! Kristy
Georgia Harding says
Yes you can, just base it on the packet instructions of gelatin you have to liquid (leaves vary in size and strength so sorry I can’t guess how much you will need) Gx
Heather Humphries says
Always a winner
As the blood oranges are so good this season we have been making jelly often this winter. I put some fresh grated turmeric in with the mix,( trying to keep us well down here).
Georgia Harding says
The blood oranges are amazing this year here in QLD too, best I’ve had for sure. I love the addition of turmeric too, one of my favourite ways to boost jelly for sure G x
Melissa Kinnaird says
What about the Nutra Organics brand gelatin?
Georgia Harding says
It’s not one I’ve tried Melissa. You can easily adjust this recipe to suit any brand, just follow the brands fluid volume to gelatin ration G x
Melissa Kinnaird says
Thankyou
Janet Iffinger says
I am making this jelly with juice from our huge mandarine crop and will for months to come because I am freezing the juice as well. The orange tree is just starting too and there is only so many Mandarins my neighbours and my household can eat!! I love blood oranges too and I saw the first ones in the shop yesterday. Seems crazy to buy them when I can pick an “orange” one straight from the tree.
Georgia Harding says
Lucky you! Yes perfect use for them, mandarine jelly would be sensational ❤️ enjoy Janet.