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In the world of professional cooking, the quality of the ingredients is crucial to guarantee excellence in each dish and fruit jelly has become an indispensable element in professional cooking, especially for chefs and pastry chefs who seek maximum perfection and innovation in their creations. Choosing high-quality jelly fruits can be the difference between a good dessert and an extraordinary one.
In this post we are going to offer you some ideas to choose the best jelly fruits and distinguish high quality jelly fruits. We will also explain why it is so important to select brands with an impeccable track record in the market to differentiate yourself from competitors.
What is jelly fruit?
Jelly fruit is a product obtained by cooking fruits with sugar and a gelling agent, such as pectin or gelatin. This process not only preserves the intense and natural flavor of the fruit, but also provides a unique texture that is ideal for creating innovative and tasty dishes in today’s kitchen.
It is undoubtedly a very versatile ingredient that professionals use in a wide variety of dishes and desserts. However, it must be taken into account that its quality can affect not only the flavor, but also the texture and presentation of the final dish. To ensure that the final result is as expected, it is essential to know the factors that determine a high-quality jelly fruit. Let’s see them.
Components of quality jelly
These are the main aspects to take into account when choosing the best jelly fruits:
Fruits of the highest quality
The basis of an excellent jelly fruit is, without a doubt, fruits of the highest quality. Therefore, it is essential to choose products that use natural and fresh fruits in their preparation. On the other hand, the best fruit jellies contain real fruit puree or juice, without artificial colors or flavors. Natural ingredients not only offer a more authentic taste, but also provide additional nutritional benefits.
Fruit concentration for jelly fruits
A high concentration of fruit indicates the use of fewer additives and a purer flavor. Products should be chosen that clearly indicate the percentage of fruit they contain. High-quality fruit jellies usually have a high fruit content, which translates into a better texture and a much more intense flavor. A gelatin with a fruit content of 50% or more is a good sign of quality.
type of sugar
The type of sugar used can affect the final flavor of the jelly. Cane sugar is the most recommended for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit without being too dominant.
Gelling agent
Pectin is the most used component for the production of gelatin due to its natural origin and for providing a soft and consistent texture. It is important to avoid jellies that use artificial gelling agents.
Criteria for choosing the best jelly fruits
Professionals always choose the best jelly fruit to use in their preparations. These are the aspects that they take into account to select the most suitable one according to their tastes and preferences:
Consistency and texture
The texture of the jelly should be firm but not too stiff, it should spread smoothly and not crumble or be too sticky. A homogeneous consistency, without lumps or bubbles, is indicative of a careful manufacturing process. It is important to test gelatin before purchasing it in large quantities to make sure it suits your needs.
Color and shine of jelly fruits
A quality jelly fruit should have an attractive and natural appearance. The transparency and color of gelatin are indicators of its purity. The color of the jelly should be vibrant and natural, without artificial coloring. Additionally, a subtle shine is often a sign of proper cooking and a good balance of ingredients. It is important to avoid jellies that are opaque or have artificially bright colors. A good jelly fruit should have a color that reflects that of the fruits used, without unnecessary additives.
Purity and versatility
A quality jelly fruit should accurately reflect the flavor of the quality fruit from which it is made. To do this, you must be able to distinguish the nuances of the fruit without being overwhelmed by the sweetness of the sugar. In addition, it must be versatile and suitable for a wide variety of uses, from fillings in pies and pastries to accompaniments for savory dishes.
How do professionals use jelly fruits?
As we have said, jelly fruits has become a practically indispensable ingredient for any chef or pastry chef. Let’s see some of its main uses:
Preparation of classic desserts
Jelly fruit is an essential ingredient in many classic desserts, such as molded jellies, fruit tarts and parfaits. Of course, the quality of the jelly directly influences the flavor and presentation of these dishes.
Innovative dishes with jelly fruits
Creative chefs use jelly fruit to experiment with new textures and flavor combinations, for example in making spherifications or layered jellies. A quality fruit jelly undoubtedly opens up a world of possibilities for professionals to develop all their creativity.
Decorations and presentations
Jelly fruit is also used to create visually appealing decorations and presentations that surprise customers. Its ability to maintain vibrant shapes and colors makes it a highly appreciated tool in the professional kitchen.
Why choose the best jelly fruits?
Professionals, before purchasing any ingredient, research the brand and its reputation in the market. They request samples and carry out tests to see how the product behaves in their preparations. They know that the best brands usually have a firm commitment to quality and sustainability and their products have quality certifications or seals that guarantee the origin and proper handling of the fruits.
Choosing the best fruit jelly is easier for a professional if they trust a consolidated brand, as is the case with Lazaya Preserved Fruits, which has been offering professionals the best preserved fruits for more than 80 years. If you have any questions or queries, call us, we will be happy to help you.
