Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candy
Kohakutou is a Japanese candy made from Agar Agar. It is made by pouring flavored jelly into a dish and allowing it to set before cutting or tearing into crystal shapes. The candy develops a crunchy outer crust after a few days but remains delightfully chewy inside.
Servings: 100 crystals
Calories: 53kcal
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Container
Ingredients
- 12 grams agar agar (telephone brand)
- 14 ounces cool water
- 24 ounces sugar
- ¼ teaspoon candy flavoring
- ⅛ teaspoon citric acid optional - adds a tart flavor
- 3 drops liquid food coloring I used Americolor airbrush color
Instructions
- Place cool water into a medium-sized saucepan
- Sprinkle agar agar powder over the water and let it absorb for 5 minutes
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes stirring constantly with a spatula
- Sprinkle in your sugar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes
- Remove from the heat and add in candy flavoring and citric acid
- Pour the mixture into a heatproof, glass dish that has been lightly oiled to prevent sticking
- Add a few drops of liquid food coloring on top and swirl with a toothpick. You can blend fully or leave it streaked
- Place the container into the fridge for 2-3 hours until set
- Remove the set gummy from the container and cut into crystal shapes using a sharp knife
- Place the crystal gummies onto a parchment covered cookie sheet and let dry at room temperature for 2-3 days until a hard crust forms on the outside
Video
Notes
elephone brand agar agar is required for this recipe. Other brands have a different gel strength and will not crystallize correctly. It is available on Amazon and at Asian grocery stores.
Do not store in an airtight container. Once the crystals have formed, trapped humidity will dissolve the crust. Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Crystallization time varies by environment. Low humidity speeds it up, high humidity slows it down. If you live in a humid climate, place the candy near a fan or in an air-conditioned room to help the process along.
For the gem shapes, use a sharp knife and cut at irregular angles. Uneven and jagged cuts look the most realistic. There is no wrong way to do it.
To add a metallic finish, mix edible gold or silver luster dust with a tiny amount of lemon extract and brush it onto the finished crystals. This is optional but makes a stunning presentation.
Citric acid amount can be adjusted to taste depending on how tart you want the candy. Start with less and add more if you want a stronger sour flavor.
Candy flavoring is very concentrated. Start with a small amount, taste the mixture before pouring, and add more if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 5crystals | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
