These EDIBLE CRYSTALS are soft and crunchy ✨

These edible crystals and gems are made from a Japanese candy called Kohautou (koe-hah-koo-toe) made from sugar, agar agar, and water.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cold water
10 grams agar agar powder (Telephone Brand is recommended)
2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
Optional: 1/4 tsp flavoring. I used lychee extract.
A few drops of food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Lightly grease a 8 x 8 square baking pan. Set aside.
2. Fill a medium-sized pot with cold water. Sprinkle agar agar powder on top of the water and allow it to absorb for 5 minutes.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly.
4. Add granulated sugar and mix until all the sugar has dissolved (another 2-3 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and add flavoring, if using.
6. Pour the sugar mixture into the greased baking pan.
7. Add in a few drops of food coloring and swirl with a toothpick.
8. Place the pan in the fridge for 2-3 hours until set.
9. To remove the candy from the pan, run a sharp knife around the edges to loosen.
10. Cut into desired shapes.
11. Let dry at room temperature for a few days to form the crystal crust.

Tips:
Telephone Brand agar agar is recommended!
At first, these candies will be very sticky and will stick to your knife, your hands, the table, everything.
Once cut, place the candies between on parchment paper and allow to them to dry. They will form a crystal crust after a day.
These are very sweet, so adding some citric acid will help cut the sweetness.

#candy #foodart #ediblegems #crystals