I’m always experimenting with jelly flavours and trying to cram as much nutrition into one small treat as possible. So these came about after my husband came down with man flu and I went on a mission to keep the rest of us from succumbing.
Health benefits
The ginger and turmeric root are powerful anti-inflammatory and warming immune supportive herbs. The coconut water is hydrating and the kombucha and kefir are supportive to a healthy gut microflora.
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.
The biggest benefit of eating gelatin, in my opinion, is that it is a gut healer, which means better nutrient absorption (so greater nourishment) all round. Also, if your gut is functioning well, then your nervous and immune systems are better supported.
I only use Changing Habits Organic Gelatin.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
Lemon Jellies
Ingredients
- 250 ml water (1 cup)
- 2 cm ginger root -peeled and roughly sliced
- 1 cm turmeric root -peeled and roughly sliced
- 250 ml coconut water (1 cup) or kombucha or water kefir
- 1-4 tbsp honey - Manuka is best (amount depends on the level of sweetness you like)
- 1 lemon/s (large) - juice
- 2 - 3 tbsp grass-fed or organic gelatin
*Note about honey - only raw, unheated and unprocessed honey has medicinal properties. A good quality Manuka honey is the very best option.
Method
- Place the water, ginger and turmeric root into a small pot and bring to the boil, reducing to a simmer for approx. 5 minutes.
- Take off the heat off and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Remove the solids (strain) and stir in the coconut water (kombucha or water kefir) honey, lemon and optional Camu powder. Taste to check that you are happy with the flavour (sour/sweet balance). I should be luke warm before adding your gelatin.
- Now sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid, allow it to sit and bloom (go wrinkly) for a few minutes. 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 only 1 minute (only heat to luke warm), stirring well.
- Pour into a lined slice tray or moulds, and set in the fridge.
Thermomix
- Place the water, ginger and turmeric root into the bowl heat 5 mins, varoma, speed 1.
- Add the honey or rice malt syrup, mix 30 seconds speed 3.
- Remove the solids and add the coconut water, kombucha or water kefir (and optional camu camu). Mix 10 seconds, speed 3.
- Now add your gelatin, mix 1 minute, temp 37, speed 3-4 or until the gelatin is dissolved.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Tip
- If using silicon moulds to set your gummies, freeze them to make removing them from the mould clean and simple.
Variations
Low-fructose
Choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener.Coconut-free
Choose the kefir or kombucha instead of the coconut water.Don't like ginger or want to use powdered?
Leave it out or use ½ teaspoon of the ground ginger powder.No fresh turmeric?
Sub with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder.Add Camu
You can certainly add a tsp of camu camu powder if you wish for an extra vitamin C boost.I'd love to hear how you liked these delicious little treats. Post a comment or rate this recipe.
Penny McKay says
These sound great. If you use powder as opposed to fresh ginger and turmeric do you still heat for 5 mins in water at the start?
Georgia Harding says
Penny I would heat for just a minute or so and then allow to cool just to infuse the flavour. G x
Yarrow says
Wow…..yum….. as per usual, simple and delicious! My 3 year old loves this and he is not the biggest ginger fan. Yay for treats that are not just guilt free, but nourishing also
Georgia Harding says
Glad he loves them. These are hands down one of my kids absolute faves. Have to say I’m pretty partial too. Thanks for your feedback Yarrow G x
kelly seach says
Sounds yum. I find it interesting that powdered gelatine is one highly processed ‘food’ that seems to get the tick of approval from naturopaths etc. I am not aware of any conventional research to support the idea that it ‘heals’ etc, are you?
Georgia Harding says
Kelly I’d classify it as a ‘supplemental’ food. Most of the health claims are based on both empirical uses and the researched effects of specific amino acids and compounds such as condroitin (of which it is a rich source) on healing and supporting health. e.g.; gelatin is a source of chondroitin and there has been a fair bit of research to support the use of chondroitin and glucosamine for a range of conditions. Same with research re specific amino aids found in gelatin.
I always endeavour to derive the bulk of my nutrition and healing from whole foods (so bone broth is my preferred source of gelatin always). But what can I say – my kids and I occasionally really enjoy jelly (or gummies). It is a special treat and I love that it is so versatile with flavour/nutrient combinations. In my case the ‘health’ benefits are secondary to the flavour/texture which my whole family just loves. G x
kelly seach says
Thanks Georgia xx
Mandy Hunt says
How long will these last in the fridge 🙂 Just made them and it smells so great in the kitchen
Georgia Harding says
Ours don’t last longer than a week! Enjoy Mandy G x
Elisa James says
My kids loved this!
Georgia Harding says
Yay, thanks for letting me know G x
Linda Robinson says
we were all home with colds yesterday so I whipped these up and some of your protein bars – they make a really nice combination…one lemon, one chocolate, repeat 🙂 the kids loved them both too!
Georgia Harding says
Ha funny – hope you’re all feeling better Linda G x
cherie marki says
Georgia what age can kids start having these? I have been making them for my bigger kids and we absolutely love them… the flavour is just so light and refreshing! I have an 11month old… am I able to start giving it to him?
Georgia Harding says
I always like to introduce one ingredient at a time (as per usual food introduction procedure). Once you have individually introduced (lemon, then coconut water etc;) then make them no worries. They’re great for little ones – I know loads of people give that awful processed jelly to babies, and gelatin is a thicker in many baby products. G x
cherie marki says
That’s great! Thanks ?
Renee says
Hi Georgia, I just found this blog post linked to another I was reading. I am looking forward to trying these gummies out. Can you please let me know if it is ok to have one a day, added into a well balanced whole food diet. I am trying to get in as many good nourishing things into my diet as well as my families. I’m sure they would love it if they could expect one of these treats a day, full of so much goodness. Thanks.
Georgia Harding says
Yes, definitely a fabulous daily treat. Very nourishing and delicious too x
Sara says
Hi, can I ask what gelatine you use please as your links don’t seem to be working for me.
I find it hard to find a good quality one!
Thanks so much
Georgia Harding says
So strange -a few people have said that but I’ve tested it across three browsers and had 4 friends test it too plus my tech lady and they all assure me it is fine (ggggrrr…technology!!) Anyhow, lets hope this works https://www.changinghabitsaffiliates.com/108-17.html G x
Alexandra says
Hello Georgia,
do you know if this recipe works with leaf gelatine? I have Chef’s Choice Cert Organic Leaf Gelatine, Silver Grade and I am wondering how much to use. Thank you.
Georgia Harding says
It will work with any kind of gelatin. Sorry I’ve only used powdered but I know my mum had leaf gelatin at one point and found the conversion with an online search G x
Sophie says
I made these last week when the kids (3.5yrs and 1.5yrs) had a cold and now we are all obsessed. So yummy!
Georgia Harding says
Ha ha – my kids are obsessed with with these too (even at 10 & 14yrs). Glad they enjoyed them G x
Sam says
These are divine, I have now made about 4 batches in the last week, my kids to my great surprise all love and demolish them, in lunchboxes and at home, and I am finding they have reduced the severity of my cold! Win win! Thanks a bunch for the lovely recipe Georgia xx
Georgia Harding says
Very welcome Sam, just thrilled to help. Appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe too G x
Sophie says
This looks delicious. Could you use Agar Agar to substitute the gelatin as I’m vegan?
Thanks for such incredible recipes.
Georgia Harding says
Yes not worries at all and you’re very welcome G x
Stephanie says
Hi! Looking forward to making these! The link for camu powder doesnt work though, any other tips on where to buy it? Thanks!
Georgia Harding says
Sorry, I’ve just updated Stephanie, enjoy G x
Stefanie says
So so yum Georgia – another healthy winner in our household. Keep up the good work ?
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Stefanie, thrilled you and your family enjoyed them Gx
Leonie Ryan says
Georgia, could you use coconut kefir in the recipe?
Leonie
Georgia Harding says
I’m sure it would be fine Leonie, enjoy G x
Sophie says
Hi Georgia,
I’m early in my pregnancy and have read that I should avoid honey and turmeric. Can you suggest some substitutes that I could use?
Thanks
Sophie
Georgia Harding says
You could sub the honey with maple syrup or rice malt and just leave the turmeric out Sophie G x
Kathleen says
Hi, any tips for making this without a thermomix? Many thanks, Kathleen.
Georgia Harding says
Kathleen both the regular and Thermomix methods are included in the recipe (all of my recipes have non-thermo methods)
Karyn Bonett says
Can these be frozen?
Georgia Harding says
Yes they can Karyn, though mine rarely last that long ?
Shellee Henrique says
Oh wow! My 3 year old loves these. I see a huge difference with her gut health too. My son on the other hand tells me he doesn’t like them but probably has 1-2 three times a week??
Georgia Harding says
Fabulous, funny, your son doesn’t do to bad for not liking them ? G x