Quick Answer
Aiyu jelly is made from aiyu seeds, the seeds of the awkeotsang creeping fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang), which according to English Wikipedia is native to Taiwan. The seeds are placed in a cloth bag and rubbed in cold water; with no other additives, the water slowly sets into a jelly. This works because the seeds contain low-methoxyl pectin, which gels with divalent ions such as calcium in the water. Legend says the name comes from Aiyu, the daughter of a tea merchant near Chiayi in the 1800s. Aiyu jelly is usually served with honey and lemon as a summer drink.
Aiyu Jelly at a Glance
Summarized from the English Wikipedia article “Aiyu jelly”:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang, native to Taiwan |
| Harvest | Fruit harvested from September to January |
| Gelling agent | Low-methoxyl pectin |
| Setting condition | Divalent cations in the water (ordinary undistilled water contains enough) |
| Traditional serving | With honey and lemon juice as a cold summer drink |
Why Use Ordinary Water to Make Aiyu Jelly?
Wikipedia explains that the low-methoxyl pectin in aiyu seeds needs divalent cations (such as calcium and magnesium) in the water to gel, and ordinary undistilled water contains enough of them. In other words, distilled or purified water may not set well.
Where the Name “Aiyu” Comes From
According to the legend recorded on Wikipedia, in the 1800s a Taiwanese tea merchant near Chiayi discovered these jelly-forming seeds and gave them to his 15-year-old daughter, Aiyu, to sell. The plant and the dessert were later named after her.
How Aiyu Jelly Is Used in Bubble Tea
| Drink | Recipe base |
|---|---|
| Lemon aiyu | Aiyu jelly + lemon juice syrup |
| Honey aiyu | Aiyu jelly + honey or longan honey |
| Aiyu green tea | Jasmine green tea with aiyu jelly |
| Aiyu shaved ice | Shaved ice with aiyu jelly |
For lemon juice amounts, see our fruit syrup dosage chart.
Tang Sugar Aiyu Products
Tang Sugar supplies canned aiyu jelly (3 kg cans) and aiyu jelly powder (1 kg bags), plus lemon juice and longan honey blend to pair with them. See all products or request samples.
FAQ
Is aiyu found only in Taiwan?
According to English Wikipedia, the awkeotsang creeping fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) is native to Taiwan.
Why does aiyu jelly set?
Aiyu seeds contain low-methoxyl pectin, which gels when it meets divalent ions such as calcium and magnesium in the water.
How do you make aiyu jelly?
Put the aiyu seeds in a cloth bag and rub them in cold water. Once the gel is released, leave the water to stand and it will set.
What drinks is aiyu jelly good for?
Popular options include lemon aiyu, honey aiyu, aiyu green tea and aiyu shaved ice.
Is aiyu jelly the same as grass jelly?
No. Aiyu jelly comes from the seeds of a fig plant and is pale and translucent; grass jelly is made from the herb Platostoma palustre (Chinese mesona) and is dark brown to black. See What Is Grass Jelly?
Where can I buy aiyu jelly powder or canned aiyu?
Stores that don’t want to wash aiyu seeds daily can use canned aiyu jelly or aiyu jelly powder for more consistent quality. Tang Sugar supplies canned aiyu jelly (3 kg cans) and aiyu jelly powder (1 kg bags); see all products or request samples.
What is the difference between aiyu jelly and ice jelly (bingfen)?
Both are clear jelly desserts but use different raw materials. Aiyu jelly is made by rubbing the seeds of Taiwan’s aiyu fig in water; ice jelly (bingfen), common in Sichuan, is usually made from the seeds of the shoo-fly plant (Nicandra physalodes) or from ready-made bingfen powder.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia: Aiyu jelly
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
