
Like everyone else, I’m a little bit obsessed with Pinterest. (Are you following me on Pinterest? Follow me!) I use it on my phone and it’s the perfect way to pass time while waiting in line or watching Real Housewives marathons. I’ve seen a few different recipes for Jello orange wedges pinned recently, and they were so colorful and fun that I decided to try to make a vegetarian version using agar agar. (Agar agar, in case you don’t know, is a seaweed that produces a vegetarian gelatin. It’s a little bit firmer than regular Jello, which works well with these wedges. Unlike gelatin, it does have a bit of a flavor to it–I don’t mind it, although my husband isn’t a fan.)
The great thing about using agar agar instead of Jello is that you can make your wedges with real fruit juice. Not only are there more flavor possibilities, but if you try to avoid excessive amounts of sugar and food coloring (or unnatural foods in general), using juice is definitely preferable to Jello. Since we’re in the tail-end of pomegranate season, I made pomegranate orange wedges. I only bought enough to make this recipe once, so I crossed my fingers hoping they would turn out right and they did! These do look intimidating, but I promise they’re much easier than you’d think. And they’re even prettier in person too.
Jello fruit slices are awesome, but they're not vegetarian. This version uses agar agar and fruit juice instead of Jello, so it's veggie-friendly!
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges, halved and insides removed
- 2 c. pomegranate juice
- 2 1/2 tbsp. agar agar flakes
Instructions
- Whisk together pomegranate juice and agar agar flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5 minutes or until flakes are dissolved, continuing to whisk occasionally.
- Place orange halves upright in a small plastic container or dish. You want them to fit together snugly, but not be smashed in. Pour juice mixture into orange peels, careful not to over- or under-fill. Allow orange halves to rest on the countertop until almost solidified. (Agar agar is solid at room temperature.)
- Once filling is nearly solid, move wedges to refrigerator until completely chilled (about 2 hours). Carefully remove halves from container and cut into wedges with a sharp knife.
































Wow, that’s very creative visually! I bought fresh pomegranates from Sam’s Club for the first time recently and they are interesting to work with.
They are the WORST to prepare! I think it takes me 45 minutes to get the seeds out. But it’s worth it.
I read somewhere that you can smash the pomegranate against a counter and then stick a straw in it to drink the juice out, but I have no idea how that would work logistically.
I think if you smash the pamagranite in a bowl then strain it it migh work but I’m not sure
You could do that, but it would be a lot of work–and I’d guess you’d need a few pomegranates too. Buying the juice is much easier.
I LOVE this idea! Saving and hopefully I’ll remember to make it sooner than later. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I hope you like them if you make them!
I can’t wait to see my little man’s face when I do make them. He’s 3 and I’m pretty sure these would blow his mind! I’ll be searching for agar agar flakes at the grocery this weekend, I’ve never heard of it, but I’m always down to try something new.
These look amazing!!! What a great idea. I’ve always wanted to use agar agar, but never really knew how to use it.
It’s really easy to use–I love all things Jello-y, so I need to experiment with it more. I think it would work for Jello shots too! The downside to it is that it’s hella expensive.
I’ve seen them on Pinterest, cool idea. I’d love the Pomegranate! They look great!
What a cute idea! Sounds yummy, too!
What a great idea! I love the color, and all of the possibilities!
Wow!! That’s gorgeous!! Thanks for stopping by my page, loved visiting yours:) you have a new follower!!
Those look yummy!
You make the most beautiful creations ever! I love these.
Thank you so much! They’re a lot easier than they look, I have to admit.
These look amazing. A tip to working with pomegranates is to cut them open and submerge it in water. The pith and outer parts float to the top while the seeds sink. It only takes 5 minutes to get all the seeds out!!
That’s how I cut mine and they still don’t take me 5 minutes! I don’t know what my problem is! But at least they’re worth all the effort.