Kohakutou (Edible Crystal Candy)
With its colorful, translucent appearance that resembles crystals or gems, Kohakutou is a traditional Japanese candy that has recently regained popularity in Japan, thanks to its Instagram-worthy appeal. Experience the unique texture of its crispy exterior and jelly-like interior—often referred to as "edible crystals."
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tsp agar-agar powder
- 10.6 oz granulated sugar (Other types of sugar can also be used, but granulated sugar gives a clearer result due to its high purity.)
- ⅚ cup water
- liquid food coloring or flavored sugar syrups
Instructions
- Mix water and agar-agar powder in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes to fully dissolve the agar-agar.
- Add sugar to the pot and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, stirring with a spatula until the mixture thickens. The consistency should be thick enough that when you lift the spatula, the mixture falls off in a strand.
- Lightly moisten the inside of a glass or metal container, then pour the mixture into it. If there is any foam or bubbles on the surface, skim them off with a spoon. Add a few drops of food coloring or flavored syrup in different colors (or just one color if you prefer a single tone) at intervals, and gently swirl each area with a skewer or spoon. Then, let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour.Note: To create a marbled pattern, wait about 10 minutes until the mixture has cooled slightly, then gently swirl along the edges where the colors meet.
- Cut the solidified mixture into your preferred shapes using your hands, a knife, or molds, and arrange the pieces on parchment paper, making sure they do not overlap. Let them dry in a well-ventilated room until the surface firms up and develops a frosted-glass-like appearance.
- Once the surface of the pieces has firmed up, flip them over and continue drying until the other side also firms up. The total drying period is about 5 to 7 days.
Notes
- You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigerating it, as condensation may cause mold growth.
Nutrition
Calories: 289.39kcal Carbohydrates: 74.87g Protein: 0.003g Fat: 0.24g Sodium: 3.3mg Potassium: 2.07mg Fiber: 0.01g Sugar: 74.98g Calcium: 2.57mg Iron: 0.05mg
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