Fruit gummies aren’t just for kids—they’re for all of us who are young at heart! As gardeners, we’re fortunate to have access to fresh, juicy fruits, but why stop there? You can take it a step further and turn those fruits into healthy, homemade gummies. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy your harvest, and the possibilities are endless!
Special thanks to Iasmina, my fiance, @lajatattoo for capturing the process.
Why Plant-Based Fruit Gummies Are Perfect for Gardeners
Whether you have cherries, peaches, oranges, or any other fruit, the possibilities for making your own gummies are endless. You can use underripe, perfectly ripe, or even overripe fruits, making these gummies a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying delicious candy.
These gummies are practical and simple to make. No need for fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just a blender, a saucepan, and some silicone molds will do the trick. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, so you can experiment with different fruit combinations and flavors to suit your taste.
The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a basic recipe for making your own plant-based fruit gummies:
Ingredients:
- 500g of your favorite fruits (cherries, peaches, plums, etc.)
- 80ml of lemon or orange juice
- 3 tablespoons of vegan gelatin
- 2 tablespoons of liquid sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup)
Instructions:
- Blend your chosen fruits with the lemon or orange juice until smooth. This combo boosts the flavor and helps keep the gummies’ natural color vibrant.
- After blending, strain the mixture to remove any remaining fruit pulp. Don’t toss the pulp! It can be used to make fruit leather—another great snack that ensures nothing goes to waste
- Add your sweetener of choice and the plant-based gelatin to the strained fruit puree. Stir until everything is well combined, then let it sit for about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently heat it over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to boil it, as some types of gelatin are sensitive to high heat. Make sure to follow the instructions for your specific brand.
- Once the mixture is ready, pour it into silicone molds. These molds make it easy to create fun shapes and help the gummies set evenly.
- Place the molds in the fridge and let them chill until firm, usually a few hours.
- Once the gummies are set, cut them into your desired size. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- For a sweeter, more traditional gummy, roll the cooled gummies in granulated sugar before serving (optional).
These fruit gummies are not only a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, but they also give you a chance to get creative with your garden’s produce. Using maple syrup adds a subtle tartness that’s perfect for those who prefer a less sugary treat, but you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking with different syrups or honey.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, making your own plant-based fruit gummies is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy your harvest. It’s also a fantastic activity to do with the kids, teaching them about the value of fresh ingredients and reducing food waste.
Happy gardening and cooking!
