Homemade gummies: A delicious and healthier alternative for kids

In my spare time, especially during the fruit and vegetable season, I take out the juicer and squeeze fresh, delicious juices. Kids love the sweetest ones, so I often make homemade gummies with strawberry or apple juice. I also enjoy eating them; we've already forgotten about the store-bought ones.

Although gummies are often "fruit-flavoured," they are not the best choice for the youngest. They are highly processed products, rich in simple sugars, artificial colourings, and flavours. On an industrial scale, gummies are made from sugar syrups, water, and gelatin. In many cases, they have very little to do with actual fruit.

Preparing homemade treats won't be a problem; you'll know exactly what your kids are eating. All you need is fruit juice and agar (or gelatin). It's best not to sweeten the juice, as the fruits contain sugar. Agar (agar-agar) is a plant-based gelatin substitute made from algae. It's good to know that agar sets at 33-35 °C (91-95 °F).

Ingredients:

• 240 ml fruit juice,
• 1 teaspoon agar.

Preparation:

1. Pour the fruit juice into a pan and add the agar. Mix everything and let it sit for 5 minutes to let the agar swell.
2. Then start heating the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously.
3. When the agar dissolves, remove the pan from the stove and pour its contents into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
4. Let the gummies cool down. Then you can put them in the refrigerator, although they will also be set at room temperature.
5. It's best to consume them within two days.