Grass Jelly (Xian Cao): Your Healthy, Herbal Boba Alternative
- Afrah F
- Jul 20
- 7 min read
Jellies and puddings have always been my favorite desserts, even as a kid. And if you know me, you already know I love Boba tea. So, when I stumbled upon a new Chinese bubble tea spot in my city, I had to check it out. I ordered one of their bestsellers: Shao Xian Cao Milk Tea. It came with Boba and a unique jelly topping I hadn’t tried before, Grass Jelly. Let me tell you, I’m officially obsessed.
Hence, I decided to do some research and write this article for you.
This article covers;
What grass jelly is, and what it is used for
History and origins of grass jelly
What does grass jelly taste like?
Benefits & side effects of grass jelly
Is grass jelly halal?
Is grass jelly healthier than boba?
How to make grass jelly at home?
What is Grass Jelly?
Grass jelly is a refreshing herbal jelly made from Chinese Mesona, a plant in the mint family, and originates from China. Over time, it has become a beloved treat across Southeast Asia, with each country adding its own twist. Natural grass jelly has a deep brown colour, most powdered grass jelly comes with black colouring.
In China and Taiwan, it’s known as Xian Cao (仙草), while in Malaysia and Indonesia, it goes by Cincau. Thailand calls it Chaokuai, and in Vietnam, it appears in cooling drinks as sương sáo.
Traditionally grass jelly is consumed during summer through to winter. Even during mid-autumn festival, grass jelly can be found on dessert tables. It's originally consumed as a jelly grass drink, which is mixed with fresh milk, taro balls, red beans and raisins. The jelly has a distinct bitter taste, so honey is generally added in to balance it.
Burned grass jelly gets its name from the simple heating process used to make it. The term originated in southern Fujian, where “burn” in the Minnan dialect means “hot.” When the dessert spread to Taiwan, the name stuck, and it became widely popular as burned grass jelly.
History and Origins of Grass Jelly
Legends
There are two beautiful legends surrounding the mesona plant. Long ago, ten suns scorched the earth, drying rivers and burning crops. The hero Houyi shot down nine of them and was gifted an elixir of immortality. But his wife Chang’e stole it and fled to the moon. Grieving, Houyi sent soldiers to find magical fairy grass to ease his torment. After his death, grass sprouted from his grave, cooling, calming, and healing. People believed it was born from his sacrifice and called it fairy grass (grass jelly).
The other legend says that during one southern summer, heat was unbearable, and farmers often fainted under the sun. A kind fairy noticed their suffering and told them about a mountain herb that could relieve heatstroke. The farmers boiled it as instructed and found instant relief. Grateful, they named it fairy grass, and the soothing jelly made from it became known as fairy grass jelly.
History of Origin
Grass jelly is said to have originated from Guanxi, Fujian. It was eaten by the Hakka people in Miaoli in the south hundreds of years ago. Grass jelly desserts, to this day, are a famous cuisine in Guangdong and Taiwan, eaten in households as staple summer and winter cooling foods.
Birth of Shao Xian Cao (Grass Jelly & Tea)
The Taiwanese people do love their chewy tea varieties. In the 1960s and 70s, Xian Cao was gaining popularity in both the mainland and Taiwan. Burnt grass jelly made waves as a hot tea beverage in Taiwan, and they called it Shao Xian Cao (燒仙草) tea, which means Grass jelly & tea.
Later, when Tapioca boba was introduced and became a much larger mainstream drink across East Asia, Shao Xian Cao was also offered as an alternative for Boba tea.
It wasn't until very recently that grass jelly took flight to the global stage. Stores like Chagee and Shuyi Grass Jelly & Tea 书亦烧仙草 are two of many global brands offering Shao Xian Cao in their menus.
What does Grass Jelly Taste like?
Fresh grass jelly tastes like a mild Agar Agar (seaweed jelly) with a hint of mint, herbal and bitter aftertaste. How firm the jelly is depends on the amount of starch or gelatin used in the process. Most grass jelly we find in our bubble teas today is made with grass jelly powder, which comes with cogulants included and tastes almost bland and has a much softer texture.
Benefits & Side Effects of Grass Jelly
Benefits of Grass Jelly
Helps reduce body heat and is popular in hot climates.
Known to soothe the stomach, support digestion and ease bowel movements.
It may help reduce inflammation and swelling, and also help to clear skin and nourish your body as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps balance blood preassue, blood sugar and protect against diabetes.
Refreshing and hydrating when consumed with liquids like coconut water or fresh milk.
A healthy dessert option for weight-conscious individuals.
Side Effects of Grass Jelly
As it's a Yin food (Cold Food), it can cause discomfort (bloating, cramps) in those sensitive to cold foods.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, excessive intake may upset internal balance. So how often should you eat Grass Jelly? Perhaps once a week would be a good consistent dietry addition.
Overconsumption can lead to loose stools or digestive upset.
All in all, it's almost similar to eating Agar Agar. It helps with battling the summer heat and provides a refreshing and healthy beverage option.
Is Grass Jelly Halal?
Generally grass jelly is halal, but it depends on how you make it. The traditional ancient Fujian way of making grass jelly uses cornstarch as a setting agent. As long as animal gelatin is not included in the cogulation process, grass jelly is halal and vegan. You can find many halal-certified grass jelly options in China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The ones you find in bubble tea shops are generally made with halal-certified grass jelly powder, but you can still ask to ease your doubts.
Is Grass Jelly healthier than Boba?
Yes, Shao Xian Cao grass jelly is healthier than Boba as it's made with a herbal plant. It has become my newest obsession, not because it tastes good with milk tea, but because it cools down your body unlike Boba, which is made with Tapioca Starch (essentially has no health benefits).
How to make Grass Jelly at Home?
Grass Jelly & Milk Tea - Made with Powder
Ingredients:
4 cups of Water
1/4 cup of Glass Jelly Powder (50g)
1/4 cup of Brown Sugar (50g) - You can reduce this if you prefer to have less sweetness
Milk tea
Boba (optional)
Method:
Mix 1 cup of water with the jelly powder and whisk until no lumps are visible.
Add the remaining water and sugar to the mix and bring it to a boil.
Keep stirring to avoid lumps forming.
When the mix starts thickening, take it off the heat and pour it into your preferred bowl or jelly mould and let it cool down.
Put the Grass Jelly in the fridge and let it sit for about 2 hours or more.
Meanwhile, make your favourite version of Milk Tea with a little bit of sugar and let it cool down (My go-to is Ceylon Black Tea or Strawberry Milk Tea).
Once the jelly is fully set, cube it into bite-sized pieces. Scoop an appropriate amount to mix in with your tea.
Add a spoonful of boba - Read our article on 'How to make Boba at home' for more information.
And enjoy!
You can mix in the remaining glass jelly cubes with Coconut water, yoghurt, fresh milk or even make a killer Hawachae (Korean fruit punch).
Ancient Jelly Grass Drink - Authentic Recipe
If you were able to get your hands on some Chinese Mesona leaves, you can make authentic Jelly Grass Drink just like how the ancient Hakka people used to drink.
This recipe is sourced from Baidu.
Ingredients:
For Grass Jelly Base:
1 handful dried grass jelly leaves (approx. 85–100 g)
10 cups water (2.4 litres)
1½ teaspoons baking soda
5 tablespoons of honey
For Thickening:
30 g cornstarch (about 3 tablespoons)
2 cups water
For Final Mix:
4 cups of prepared grass jelly liquid (from base)
6 cups of water
75 g sugar (about 6 tablespoons)
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Grass Jelly Liquid
Rinse the dried grass jelly leaves thoroughly.
In a large pot, add the grass jelly, 10 cups of water, and baking soda.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40–50 minutes.
Strain out the solids using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
Let the liquid cool to room temperature.
Mix in the honey and refrigerate. This is your grass jelly base.
Step 2: Thicken the Jelly
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.
In a pot, combine 4 cups of your prepared grass jelly liquid with 6 cups of water.
Add sugar and stir over medium heat until dissolved.
Once the mixture boils, skim off any foam on the surface.
Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly.
Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and gently boils, then remove from the heat.
Step 3: Set and Serve
Pour the thickened mixture into bowls or containers to cool and set.
Once set, chill in the fridge.
Serve plain or with toppings like syrup, fruit, or condensed milk.
Chinese locals make variations of Grass Jelly desserts such as;
Stir-fried winter melon grass jelly
Brown sugar-roasted grass jelly
Matcha red bean grass jelly
Honey and red bean grass jelly
Soymilk or coconut milk grass jelly
If you'd like to see the recipe for any of the above famous Chinese grass jelly desserts, let us know in the comments below!
Conclusion
We hope this article quenches your thirst for a refreshing glass of Shao Xian Cao. Have you tried this famous glass jelly before? Let us know in the comments below.