Have you ever thought about making your own lollies? Why you might ask? Well, firstly, because yum! And secondly because of a little ingredient called gelatin. 
Gelatin is a collection of amino acids, predominantly glycine and proline and has been proven to be helpful with a whole host of health ailments. Gelatin can help improve sleep, is a known anti-inflammatory, enhances wound healing, aids digestion, assists in collagen production and can normalise gut hormones. When added to hot water gelatin forms a jelly-like substance, making it perfect for homemade lollies.
Alyse Co-Cliff from @anappleaday_nutrition is a huge advocate of adding gelatin into your diet and often recommends that her patients do the same! The talented lady has created a pretty fun and unique recipe that includes the superstar ingredient. Flavoured with fruit favourites strawberry and lemon, this twist on gummy lollies is a nutritious take on a naughty treat.
If you’re new to this concept, you can read all about the Health Benefits of Gelatin – the main ingredient in the gummies on Allyse's website www.anappleaday.net.au.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (approx. 4 small lemons)
- 1/3 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup (optional)
- 5 tbsp. gelatin (see NOTES)
Method:
- Place strawberries, lemon juice, coconut water and optional maple syrup in the blender, puree until smooth. Using a sieve, strain the mixture.
- Place strained mixture into a small saucepan, over low heat, stir to combine.
- Gently sprinkle gelatin mixture into the pot, stirring continuously until it starts to thicken – this should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from stove, transfer to moulds (only filling half of each mould) or a ceramic baking dish, refrigerate (2-3hrs) or freeze (10 mins) until set.
- If you use a baking dish, cut strawberry gummies into bite-sized pieces before serving.
Notes:
- Because these are rich in amino acids, limit your consumption to 3 per day, gradually building up your tolerance IF required by your health practitioner.
- As these gummies have a very similar consistency to “jelly” without the additives, preservatives and what not, warm temperatures will cause them to melt. Keep refrigerated for best consistency.
- When creating your own gummies, know that you can use any freshly squeezed juice or liquid. For every 1.5 cups of liquid, consider 4 tbsp. of gelatin.
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A little note about Allyse:
Alyse Co-cliff of @anappleaday_nutrition travelled the world as an international model where she began to analyse the relationship between what went into her body and how it made her feel, think and perform.
Throughout this journey, Alyse spent many hours researching the fundamentals of health and wellness, whilst also gathering a wealth of knowledge from leading health practitioners from all over the world.
As a degree qualified nutritionist she also studied the biochemistry and pathology of health and disease as well as allowing her to integrate a holistic understanding of both pharmacology and western diagnostic tools.
This foundation, when combined with her years of personal experience, led her to discover an approach to health and wellness that is not only holistic, but also scientific and integrative.
You can check out Alyse's website here: www.anappleaday.net.au.
