At this time of year we are all in need of a Vitamin C hit to help fight off the colds that are doing the rounds. As I love to find ways of eating myself well rather than relying on supplements where I can, this recipe evolved as a great way to eat more collagen for the skin and I thought I would share it with you. I have been eating one of these jellies every day for several weeks now and I seem to have managed to fight off the bugs taking over our household – I am not saying this is a miracle cure but it is good to find different ways of getting nutrients, minerals and vitamins into our bodies.
While I was making this jelly it got me to thinking about the health benefits of getting more gelatine into our diets too. Obviously if you are a vegetarian look away now as this recipe is probably not for you !
Interestingly enough gelatine is similar to that of collagen as they contain the same amino acid. Collagen is found in our bones, muscles, skin, digestive systems and tendons. It gives our skin its elasticity and strength and is the glue that makes up our joints and tendons and it literally holds our body together.
As we get older the collagen we product naturally starts to slow down and we begin to notice wrinkles, sagging skin and aches and pains in our joints as they weaken. You may have heard of using collagen on your skin in beauty products but actually eating it is also a great way to repair from the inside out.
Benefits of eating collagen:-
Improvement to skin, hair and helps reduce stretch-marks and cellulite – whats not to like !
Helps ease joint pain and swelling – it oils the joints, think of it as WD40 for our knees and elbows.
Strengthens our hair, nails and teeth.
Collagen soothes your gut lining and aids healing of damaged cell walls.
I could go on but you get my drift, its probably worth thinking about adding to your diet from time to time.
So with all that in mind, if you want to eat more collagen for the skin, I hope you enjoy trying this recipe. I like mine to taste quite sharp but obviously if you prefer something sweeter then add more sugar of your choice.
Kiwi Vit C Power Jelly
INGREDIENTS
2 sheets gelatine (Dr Oetker Platinum grade leaf gelatine packed with collagen)
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup lemon juice (approx)
1 – 2 tablespoon rice malt syrup or liquid sweetener of your choice
4 ripe kiwi fruits, peeled and chopped (remove any woody pith)
¼ vitamin C powder (optional check taste)
DIRECTIONS
Soften the gelatine sheets in water (leave for 10mins). Heat the lemon juice, sweetener and kiwi fruit in a small saucepan until it’s medium-hot but not boiling. Use a hand blender and wiz it to get any lumps out.
Lift out and add the softened gelatine to the saucepan and stir until blended. Add the vitamin C powder and stir in. Check if sweet enough and adjust as necessary.
Pour into a small glass container or I like to put mine in small glasses or shot glasses.
Chill for several hours or overnight to set.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve with yoghurt for a vitamin C powered pudding or breakfast.
NOTES
If you add extra gelatine the jelly will be firm enough to slice (to be used as part of a pudding with a blob of whipped cream & passion fruit drizzled over the top for an even greater Vitamin C boost).
