Monday, April 20, 2015

Revisit A Taste Of The Islands With Lilikoi Jelly

By Stella Gay


For the lucky who have spent time in the Hawaiian islands, the memory of the luscious fruits there continues long after arriving home. One in particular seems to catch the imagination as well as the palate. The delicious passion fruit is a refreshing drink, but it also is used in many traditional preserve recipes that have been handed down for generations. There are two types including yellow and purple. Though this is one fruit that is not original to Hawaii, it has come to represent much of the lovely flavors and fragrances so cherished by islanders.

Passion fruit is grown easily at the lower elevations on the islands. The yellow is most common there and the purple variety higher up. Most island residents use the yellow version, cutting it in half to scoop out the pulp and seeds. When preserves and jams are made using the strained juices, one favorite is the bright orange yellow Lilikoi jelly. The color literally glistens inside its containers, causing great temptation to open a jar and spoon out the contents for immediate tasting.

Breakfast is a wonderful time to enjoy the delicate jelly. It is common to eat it on tea bread, rolls or toast with just a bit of butter. The combination melts into one sublime treat. Though it would seem that this preserve is scarce, there are actually many of the yellow skinned ones that grow in lower altitudes. This makes this color the most popular for juicing and using in recipes. The purple colored variety grows higher up and is not as accessible.

There are several high quality vitamins in passion fruit. It contains good amounts of riboflavin, vitamin A, niacin and ascorbic acid. Its juice is a common addition to health food menus, as people view it as good for well being. It does not contain a high amount of sugar, which gives it a tart and sweet flavor combination, preferred by many.

Though many home cooks make their own preserves, this fragrant delicacy is available for purchase from the major island factories. These local producers harvest the produce and create their products right on the island so each batch is fresh and flavorful. Jars filled with blends of Lilikoi and other island fruits are as popular as those with only the original jelly.

The traditional recipe is sleek, with just a few ingredients. Juice separated from the edible pulp and seeds, natural pectin, island grown sugar and clear water are the four necessary to make the sparkling jars of yellow sparkling like jewels. Those who yearn for flavors of the Hawaiian islands can order jars to be delivered right to their homes. Savoring the flavor can be all it takes to think of the tropics once more.

Local companies packing preserves are certified by the better business bureau and often display awards and prizes for excellence earned at recent country fairs and tasting competitions. They pride themselves on serving their customers well by ensuring that their online orders are shipped safely and arrive intact at doors almost anywhere.

Giving in to the temptation to buy a treat via these online websites is one way to take a mini vacation to Hawaii. Ordering gift combinations is easy, and a shipment can arrive very soon after the order is placed. Filling the kitchen with the fragrance and flavor of traditional island foods is a nice treat for family and friends.




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