The gelatin desserts are typically made with sweetened and flavored gelatin, but can also be made by using either a premixed blend of gelatin additives or by mixing plain gelatin with other ingredients. The structure of this tasty dessert is so versatile it can be made into a variety of shapes and flavors with different ingredients. Gelatin is called by different names around the world, in Ireland it is called Jelly while the United States and Canada know this dessert by its popular name of “Jello” which is based on the brand name “Jell-O” or gelatin. Below you’ll be able to read a bit about the history of gelatin and the gelatin products you can find at MexGrocer.com

The word gelatin actually derives from the French word “gelatine” which means edible jelly; in Italy it is called “gelatina” which is the same name used in Mexico. The exact date when gelatin was discovered is not known, but what is known is that chefs used its wonderful properties to create culinary works of art, that were pleasant to the eye and irresistible to the palate. Gelatin was commonly used in England during the late 1800s to early 1900s for both pleasing and sweet dishes. Cooks typically used molds to give their gelatin creative shapes and sizes; some were even shaped like animals. The commercial production of gelatin started in Holland around 1685 and would later be commercially produced in the United States in Massachusetts around 1808.

A typical gelatin recipe is made by using ingredients such as sugar, fruit juice and other additives that are added during preparation and then heated. For the commercial version (gelatin mix), the product just requires for hot water to be added. Once the mixture is prepared and heated, it can be refrigerated where it will slowly form a gel as it cools. Gelatin desserts can be enhanced in a variety of creative ways including the use decorative molds to give unique shapes to this sweet concoction, fresh fruits can also be added as is commonly done in Mexico, where this dessert is very popular.

MexGrocer.com offers 2 great brands for you to create sweet gelatin concoctions: Royal and D’Gari. Whether you’re feeling like having Royal exquisite caramel custard or D’Gari’s sweet fruit flavored gelatins and flans, you’ll find everything you need to whip up these delicious desserts. Some fruit flavors include: Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla, Pineapple, Sherry, lime, orange, grape, mango, cherry and lemon. D’Gari actually has two types of flan one is the traditional caramel custard with vanilla flavoring and the other is a tasty coconut flavored flan.

If you want to learn everything there is know about making authentic Mexican gelatins you should read our Artistic Gelatin – Practical Guide to Gelatins Cookbook (Gelatina Artistica – Guia Practica Para Gelatinas) de Maria del Carmen Suarez, and to implement these fun recipes be sure to use our D’Gari products. Also introduce your loved ones to the sweet world of desserts, especially gelatin and custards with our two delectable gift packs: Mexican Food Sweet ‘n Delicious Gift Pack and The Real Deal Mexican Dessert Pack.