After trying out loads of rich food during the past few weeks, it was refreshing to try out something a little lighter...  Jelly! Yes, Jelly! This however, is no ordinary Jelly but Jelly made out of Agar.

Agar is a gelatinous substance obtained from algae, and not like conventional gelatine derived from beef and pork fat. It is said to have first been discovered in Japan, where it is called Kanten, in 1658, by Minora Tanzaemon and Jells House is a place from where one can order these ready-made jellies right here in Sri Lanka.

Jells House started taking on take away orders on October 3, 2013 and is run out of the home of Anushika and Dilanka Pieris. “We felt that this was a good product to introduce in to the market as there are no places that serve this type of jelly,” Anushika explains.

I felt the best part about indulging in this delicious treat is that it isn’t too sweet and it is also quite light and the best part is that it isn’t too high in calories (a serving of 90ml is said to only have 61kcal)! Therefore it would be the perfect dessert to have after a heavy meal.

There are a number of flavours one can choose from – Green Apple, Red Grapes, Peach, Strawberry and Coffee, they also hope to introduce a few more flavours, that of Orange, Grapefruit, Green Grapes and Green Tea and once the concept picks up the next plan on the cards, is an outlet in Colombo.

I couldn’t quite decide which one of these colourful jellies was the best as they were all crisp and light. The Coffee flavoured jelly served with condensed milk was possibly the most interesting of flavours as it was very strong and the condensed milk balanced out the strength of the coffee flavour perfectly. The other flavours are best had without condensed milk and out of them, I really liked the Red Grape flavoured jelly.  But all in all, all the flavours were not too overpowering and very refreshing.

Jells House only takes on orders for take away and they come in 500ml and 100ml containers. Anushika is also able to take on large orders for parties and events. The jelly doesn’t break easily and also doesn’t melt and is therefore ideal for humid Sri Lankan weather, while it is also said to be good for those having gastritis as it has a soothing effect. 

Jells House can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JellsHouse?fref=ts) so check their page out and contact Anushika on 077-235-9576 to place your orders.

By Natasha Fernandopulle

Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte