Monday, August 30, 2004 The magic of 'Magic Jelly' By Vincent Alocada
SINCE the discovery of agar, the substance found in seaweeds that is used as the main component of gelatin, the entire human race has benefited more ways than one from this extracted substance. In laymen's term, "gelatin" is used to refer to those boxes and sachets stacked in the grocery racks. But technically speaking, it's not because it pertains to a product that results from a partial hydrolysis of collagen found in bones, hooves, connective tissues, and skin of animals. Yet, people acknowledge it as gelatin.
Aside from gratifying the palates with luscious kitchen creations that make use of gelatin, agar is also used in the culture of bacteria for the advancement of medical researches.
But these days, the use of agar and gelatin is no longer confined in laboratories and kitchens. Who would have thought that what is considered to be beneficial to science and satisfying to the taste buds can also be appealing to the eyes? Well, it is! At Magic Jelly, one will be amazed how a thing of science and a culinary aid can be used as a thing of the aesthetic.
Magic Jelly, located at the upper ground floor of SM City Iloilo sells a variety of cubed and colored jellies that can adorn homes and offices. The most practical way of decorating a workplace or a humble abode is by bringing in the green, non-motile living things to add life to a room. In the Chinese practice of feng shui, plants are not only believed to absorb negative energy but also emit positive ones. If plants can indeed bring good luck and limit bad luck, imagine how fortunate one can be if he combines plants and Magic Jelly in making a place attractive! These jellies of varied colors are believed to attract luck as well. Orange jellies are said to increase faith; brown, hope; red, luck and happiness; violet, royalty; white, peace; pink, love; green, health; and blue, tranquility and yellow, prosperity.
Another interesting fact about Magic Jelly is that it can replace soil or water in growing plants. A vase with fortune plant, for example, doesn't need to be filled with water in order for the plant to survive for the jellies will provide the appropriate amount of water it needs. When the jellies shrink after a couple of days, they can be used again once immersed in water for about 30 minutes and the vibrance of their colors are back to entertain one's eyes.
One can be skeptic about the luck Magic Jelly cubes bring, but he can't deny their beauty and magic to the eyes. VA
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