How to Make Tea Jelly for Bubble Tea ?

Tea jelly is a delightful way to elevate your bubble tea experience. Made from brewed tea and a gelling agent, it adds a chewy texture and bursts of flavor. With bubble tea’s market size expected to grow from USD 2,890 million in 2023 to USD 6,120 million by 2032, why not make tea jelly at home?

Key Takeaways

• Tea jelly is easy to make with tea, water, sugar, and gelatin or agar-agar.
• Try different tea flavors or add vanilla or herbs for new tastes.
• Keep tea jelly in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-5 days and keeps its chewy feel.

Ingredients and Tools for Tea Jelly

Essential Ingredients for Tea Jelly

To make tea jelly, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tea: The star of the show! Use your favorite tea, whether it’s black, green, or herbal. Brew it strong for a bold flavor.
• Water: Helps dilute the tea to the right consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tea’s natural bitterness. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Gelling Agent: Choose between gelatin for a soft, bouncy texture or agar-agar for a firmer, vegan-friendly option.

Here’s a quick reference table for the proportions commonly used in traditional tea jelly recipes:

Tip: Want to boost the health benefits of your tea jelly? Matcha and green tea are rich in antioxidants like catechins, which support heart health and reduce oxidative stress.

Tools Needed to Make Tea Jelly

You don’t need fancy equipment to make tea jelly. Most of these tools are probably already in your kitchen:

• Small Saucepan: For heating the tea, water, and sugar mixture.
• Whisk or Spoon: To stir the gelling agent into the liquid evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate proportions.
• Heatproof Container: To pour the mixture into and let it set. A shallow dish works well if you plan to cut the jelly into cubes.
• Knife or Jelly Cutter: For slicing the set jelly into bite-sized pieces.

Note: If you’re using agar-agar, make sure to boil it thoroughly. Unlike gelatin, agar-agar needs high heat to activate its gelling properties.

By gathering these ingredients and tools, you’re all set to make tea jelly at home. It’s a simple process that delivers a chewy, flavorful topping perfect for bubble tea.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Tea Jelly

Brew the Tea Base

The first step to make tea jelly is brewing a strong tea base. This ensures the jelly has a rich and bold flavor. Choose your favorite tea, like black, green, or herbal, and follow these brewing methods for the best results:

For tea bags, you can try these tips to maximize flavor:

• Pour boiling water into your cup to start steeping.
• Lift the tea bag 2-3 times while steeping.
• Cover the cup with a plate for 3 minutes to retain heat.

Once your tea is brewed, let it cool slightly. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of tea for the recipe. If you prefer a sweeter jelly, stir in sugar while the tea is still warm so it dissolves completely.

Tip: Matcha or green tea works wonderfully for tea jelly. They not only taste great but also add antioxidants for a health boost.

Add the Gelling Agent

Now it’s time to add the gelling agent. You can choose between gelatin or agar-agar, depending on your preference. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Agar-agar creates a firmer texture, perfect for a chewy jelly.
• Gelatin makes a softer gel, which some people find more enjoyable.

If you’re using gelatin, bloom it first by sprinkling it over cold water and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Then, heat the tea to about 180°F and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it dissolves. For agar-agar, boil it thoroughly with the tea to activate its gelling properties.

Note: Agar-agar sets faster and is more heat-stable, making it ideal for bubble tea toppings that need to hold their shape.

Set the Tea Jelly

Pour the tea mixture into a heatproof container or shallow dish. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion. Tap the container gently to release any air bubbles. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. For the best texture, let it chill for 4 hours. During this time, the gelling agent will work its magic, transforming the liquid tea into a firm, sliceable jelly.

Cut and Prepare Tea Jelly

Once the tea jelly has fully set, it’s time to cut it into pieces. Use a sharp knife or a jelly cutter to slice the jelly into small cubes. If you want to get creative, try cutting it into fun shapes like stars or hearts using cookie cutters.

Transfer the jelly cubes to a bowl and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to use them. They’ll stay fresh and chewy, making them the perfect topping for your bubble tea.

Pro Tip: If you’re making tea jelly for a bubble tea shop, prepare it in large batches and store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Customizing Tea Jelly

Flavor Variations for Tea Jelly

Tea jelly is fun to personalize with different flavors. Try fruity teas like peach, mango, or berry for a fresh taste. If you prefer classic flavors, black tea or jasmine tea is great.

Add extra flavor by mixing in vanilla extract or cinnamon. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also make it taste fancy.

Feeling bold? Combine two teas, like green tea and hibiscus, for a unique flavor. There are so many options, so experiment and enjoy!

Tip: Use matcha powder to make bright green tea jelly. It looks and tastes amazing!

Substitutions for Ingredients

Missing some ingredients? Don’t worry! You can swap them easily. No sugar? Use honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead. These keep the jelly sweet and tasty.

For a vegan choice, use agar-agar instead of gelatin. It’s plant-based and sets quickly, perfect for bubble tea. Want no caffeine? Use herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos.

Note: Always boil agar-agar well to make it work properly.

Customizing tea jelly lets you match it to your taste and needs. Have fun trying new flavors and ideas!

Using Tea Jelly in Bubble Tea

Assemble Bubble Tea with Tea Jelly

Adding tea jelly to bubble tea is easy and exciting. First, make your favorite bubble tea base. It can be creamy milk tea or fruity tea. Once ready, add a big scoop of tea jelly to your cup. The chewy texture and strong flavor make the drink better.

For a cool look, put the tea jelly at the bottom first. Then, pour the tea on top to create layers. This makes the drink look fancy and unique. If serving friends or customers, this style will impress them. The bright colors and fun texture of tea jelly are loved by younger people. They enjoy drinks that are creative and Instagram-worthy.

Tip: Use a wide straw to sip the tea and chew the jelly. It’s the best way to enjoy both!

Pair Tea Jelly with Other Toppings

Tea jelly goes well with many bubble tea toppings. Try these ideas:

• Lychee Jelly + Passion Fruit Tea: Sweet lychee jelly balances the sour passion fruit tea.
• Tapioca Pearls + Tea Jelly: Mix chewy tapioca pearls with firmer tea jelly for variety.
• Fruit Popping Boba + Tea Jelly: Fruity popping boba adds bursts of flavor to the tea jelly.

Try different combinations to find what you like best. Whether you enjoy fruity, creamy, or classic flavors, tea jelly makes your bubble tea extra special.

Storing Tea Jelly

How to Store Tea Jelly

Proper storage keeps your tea jelly fresh and ready to use. Once you’ve cut the jelly into cubes, transfer them to an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.

Store the container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 35–40°F. Keeping it cold helps maintain the jelly’s chewy texture and flavor. If you’re making tea jelly for a bubble tea shop, consider using stackable containers to save space and stay organized.

Tip: Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of jelly cubes. This stops them from sticking together and makes it easier to scoop them out later.

Avoid leaving tea jelly at room temperature for too long, especially in warm weather. Heat can cause the jelly to lose its firmness or spoil faster. Always refrigerate it as soon as possible after preparation.

Shelf Life of Tea Jelly

Tea jelly doesn’t last forever, but with proper storage, you can enjoy it for several days. Typically, it stays fresh for 3–5 days in the refrigerator. After that, the texture may change, and the flavor might not be as vibrant.

If you’re unsure whether the jelly is still good, check for signs of spoilage. A sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration means it’s time to toss it out.

Note: For the best taste and texture, try to use your tea jelly within 2–3 days. Fresh jelly always makes bubble tea more enjoyable!

By following these tips, you can keep your tea jelly fresh and delicious, whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it in a bubble tea shop.

Making tea jelly at home is a fun way to upgrade your bubble tea. You only need a few ingredients and simple steps to create this chewy topping. Customize it with your favorite tea flavors and enjoy the unique texture. Try it today and see how easy it is to make tea jelly!

FAQ

1. Can I use any type of tea to make tea jelly?

Yes, you can! Use black, green, herbal, or fruity teas. Choose your favorite flavor to match your bubble tea.

2. How do I fix tea jelly that didn’t set properly?

Reheat the mixture and add more gelling agent. For gelatin, bloom it first. For agar-agar, boil it thoroughly.

3. Is tea jelly vegan-friendly?

It can be! Use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Agar-agar is plant-based and works perfectly for vegan tea jelly.

Tip: Experiment with different teas and gelling agents to find your perfect combination!