What are the best fruits to make jelly?

Jelly is a versatile, light and refreshing dessert, widely used in hotels and restaurants, which can take on a wide range of flavors and colors depending on the fruits used. For baking and pastry professionals, choosing the right fruits is essential to surprise with the bright colors of the jelly and, of course, also with its flavor.

In this post, we are going to see the best fruits to make jelly and how its color, flavor and texture influence the final result. We will also talk about the properties of fruit jelly and how they are used to add an extra dimension of flavor and texture.

Choosing fruit to make jelly

When it comes to making jelly fruits, the choice of fruit is essential for the final result, especially in flavor and color. Some fruits are perfect for creating soft and shiny jellies, while others may have natural enzymes that prevent the jelly from solidifying, so it is very important to choose the fruit well depending on the dessert or dish that is being prepared.

What factors should be considered when choosing the best fruits to make jelly?

Let’s see the most important aspects that professionals consider when choosing the best fruits to make jelly:

• Compatibility: Some fruits contain enzymes that prevent jelly from setting, such as pineapple, mango, kiwi, and fresh papaya. To avoid this problem, these types of fruits must be previously cooked or use candied or canned, since the candied process deactivates the enzymes.
• Color: The color of the fruit directly influences the final appearance of the jelly. A jelly with vibrant colors is much more attractive, especially when used in professional settings.
• Texture: Some fruits provide a unique texture when included in jelly. Candied fruits, for example, can add a sweeter touch and a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the jelly.
• Flavor: the flavor of the fruit should complement the jelly base. Some flavors work better in combination with others, so it is essential to choose fruits whose flavor stands out in the final preparation.

Fruits most used to make jelly

These are the main fruits that professionals choose to introduce fruit jelly into their creations:

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the best-known fruits for making jelly. Its sweet and slightly acidic flavor is appreciated by a large number of people and its intense red color adds a very striking visual touch. In addition, strawberries do not contain enzymes that interfere with the setting of jelly, so they can be used, both fresh and pureed, without any problem.

Additionally, strawberries can be used in combination with other fruits, such as banana or pineapple (if cooked or candied), to create even more complex and tasty jelly mixtures.

Cherries

The cherry is also one of the most used fruits for making jelly, especially the maraschino or candied cherry. Their intense red color and sweet flavor make them an ideal choice for all types of desserts. In addition, candied cherries can be incorporated directly into the jelly, as they add color and texture, creating a much more attractive experience for the diner.

Oranges

Oranges are another excellent option, especially if the professional wants to introduce a refreshing citrus flavor to their dish or dessert. Their vibrant color and perfect balance between sweetness and acidity make them ideal for light desserts. By using orange juice you can obtain a jelly with a bright orange color that will surprise diners.

For professionals, candied oranges are also a great alternative, as they add a soft but firm texture to the jelly, maintaining the citrus flavor without the enzymes that could interfere with solidification.

Grapes

Grapes, particularly red or purple grapes, are perfect for making jelly. Not only do they offer a sweet and mild flavor, but they also provide a very attractive purple or reddish color to the jelly. Grapes can be used whole or in juice form to obtain a completely uniform jelly texture.

An interesting option for professionals is to mix grape jelly with pieces of candied fruits, creating a contrast between the softness of the jelly and the chewy texture of the fruits.

Apples

Apples, when cooked or used in their candied version, are perfect for creating a more robust jelly, as they provide a mild flavor and crunchy texture if small pieces are added. They also combine very well with spices such as cinnamon, which can elevate the flavor of a jelly to a much more sophisticated level, ideal for gourmet menus or special events.

Tropical fruits

Tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango and papaya are widely used to make jelly. However, it must be taken into account that this type of fruit contains enzymes that prevent the jelly from solidifying. Therefore, the best way to use them is candied or canned; in this way, this problem is avoided and its exotic flavor is preserved.

Candied tropical fruits not only provide their unmistakable flavor, but also a vibrant color to the jelly, so that the final dessert is much more striking. In addition, these fruits allow combinations with citrus or coconut flavored jellies widely used in establishments in the Horeca sector, especially in thematic presentations or large events.

How to choose fruits for jelly depending on color

Color is a very important aspect in the presentation of jellies. Intense colors make desserts more attractive, especially at buffets, events and restaurants. Let’s see the colors that we can find in jellies depending on the type of fruit selected for their preparation:

• Red: strawberries, cherries, raspberries.
• Orange: oranges, tangerines.
• Green: kiwi (cooked), green apple.
• Yellow: pineapple (candied), mango.
• Purple: grapes, blackberries.

A trick that professionals use a lot is to create layered jellies of different colors and flavors. This not only enhances the presentation, but also offers a much more surprising customer experience, with an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Professionals are very clear about how to choose the best fruits to make jelly, that is why they trust suppliers with extensive experience in the sector and with proven quality of their products. In our case, Lazaya Preserved Fruits has been a reference brand for chefs and pastry chefs for more than eight decades, since they know that by choosing our fruits they guarantee a delicious and visually spectacular jelly for their customers. Contact us, we will be happy to help you with your orders.