Offering Jell-O or Jello treats to guests is one way to make them feel excited. The gelatin dessert is produced in different fruit flavors and packaged in a sachet in powder form. Jello comes in different flavors, including lime, lemon, peach, cherry, black cherry, strawberry, orange, raspberry, and so many others.
A packet of jello contains about 70 calories, although there are other sugar-free flavors available. The secret behind jello is the quantity of sugar, gelatin powder, and flavoring used.
Read on to learn how to make your favorite treat just the way you love it.
How long do jello shots take to set?
There are several ways your jello can be set. Some of the methods are very slow and do not make the jello firm enough. The major options you should use are the freezing and refrigeration methods.
- Time jello will set in the fridge
The most reliable and recommended way to set jello is by using the refrigerator. For a very large quantity of jello, it will take about 5 to 7 hours to set. However, you can also store the jello for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Using the refrigerator will allow you to enjoy your jello in the evening, even if you prepared it in the afternoon.
- Time jello will set in the freezer
Freezing your jello is the fastest way to have it set. The freezer makes the gelatin firm in less than 4 hours and reduces the time you would have waited for a refrigerator by half. However, leaving the jello in the freezer for a very long time will make it too hard.
After freezing for about 30 minutes, you can transfer it to the refrigerator. This will ensure that it doesn’t get too hard.
Note: You can not achieve a perfect, delicious and firm jello by keeping it at room temperature.
What do you use for jello shots?
A mixture of the flavored gelatin, alcohol and water is what makes jello shots. It is usually left in the refrigerator till it becomes semi-solid and served in a plastic cup or disposable paper. Jello shots are often served at parties.
Ingredients used in jello shots:
- Jello mix
- You will need 3 ounces of your preferred flavor.
- Water. You can use any type of water
- Vodka
For a basic jello shot, you can use regular vodka. The most commonly used alcohol in preparing jello is flavored vodka, although you can use any preferred product. It is very important to know the right quantity of alcohol to use. Using the wrong ratio will affect the jello shot.
Generally, use one packet of gelatin, a cup of water or juice, half a cup of alcohol and half a cup of water for a basic jello shot. It will stay in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 days.
How to make Jello set faster?
Apart from using the freezer and refrigerator, there are easy steps to follow to speed up the jello process.
- Chill mold before pouring the mixture
Put the metal pan or mold you intend to use for the jello in the freezer for about one hour or more before pouring the mixture.
Plastic does not work for the method. However, do not turn or mix the jello in the pre-chilled mold if you use a porcelain or glass mold. This is because the different hot and cold temperatures from the jello mixture and mold, respectively, will cause it to break.
- Using small molds
Using single molds is a very fast way to set the jello. Just mix the jello and turn it into a mold. It will make it cool rapidly.
Use ice cubes when preparing the mixture.
This is actually the method recommended on the sachet used to package the jello. Instead of using cold water when mixing, ice cubes or a mixture of water and ice will enhance the setting.
After mixing, stir for about 5 minutes and take out the ice that did not melt. Put the jello in the refrigerator or freezer after dividing it into serving cups or molds.
- Freezing
This method will effectively preserve your jello for a longer time. Leave the jello in your freezer for about 30 minutes and transfer it to the refrigerator.
Leaving the jello for a longer time will make the edges too solid while the middle is still unset. The gelatin will also lose its power and leave you with a ruined and watery jello.
How do I prevent jello from going bad?
Jello does not just occur magically, it is prepared with some ingredients, including fruit juice, pectin, and sugar. Even with preservatives, edibles are not made to last forever.
Here’s how you can prevent your jello from going bad too soon
- Keep the refrigerator or freezer at a constant temperature.
- Avoid getting crumbs from other foods into the jello.
- If there will be leftover jello, eat it with properly cleaned cutlery.
- When you take the jello out of the refrigerator, avoid direct contact with heat or sunlight if you will still preserve the leftovers.
- Keep the lid of the disposable cup tightly closed.
Unopened jello can stay for up to a year in your cupboard or pantry. The prepared jello will definitely go bad after a month of storage.
Why is my Jello not setting?
Nothing sucks more than a wasted effort. Preparing jello could be frustrating if you do not know how to properly mix the ingredients in the right ratio. There are important things to know when making a jello
- Dissolve the gelatin in hot water before using cold water to mix.
- For a jello shot, make sure the ratio of the Non-alcoholic to alcohol liquid is balanced
- Be aware of the fruits that will not allow the gelification process to take place. Fruits like figs, guava, kiwi, papaya, ginger, and pineapple should not be used.
It’s not too late to save your jello from getting ruined. If you used any of the fruits listed above, you can simply pick them and put the mixture back in the refrigerator. If the fruit is not the issue, you can try to start over again by melting the jello (do not boil with a stove), stirring, and letting it set in the freezer or refrigerator again.
How do I make jello shots?
Finally, you no longer need to wait till you go to a party before having your favorite jello.
Here is how you can make it;
- Boil a cup of water in a saucepan
- In a mixing bowl, pour 3-ounces of gelatin
- Pour in the hot water and whisk to dissolve the gelatin.
- Combine the gelatin, cold water, and vodka in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to the disposable cup and put in the fridge to chill.
You can leave the lid out till it has set. The jello can be served with cool whipped cream or eaten as is.
At what temperature does gelatin melt?
Just like ice or any other food put in the refrigerator or freezer, you do not expect your jello to last all day long or even when kept
Gelatin or jello will melt if reheated. You will be able to dissolve your jello at about 122°F . The gelatin changes to liquid form at 95°F and above. This is because it is thermoreversible and shouldn’t be kept with anything hot after setting.
Does jello expire?
Almost every household pantry has a little corner left for unflavored powdered gelatin or jello that will probably never be eaten till it gets bad.
Jello will expire just like any other dessert or candy. However, the shelf life depends on the type of jello you are preserving.
You might not be able to tell the signs of an expired jellied product. Dry powdered jello has a longer shelf life than the others. They often remain intact for many years after their expiration date. The jello prepared in disposable cups can only last for about 15 days with proper storage. The dry jello should be stored in a cool, dry place and left unopened.
How can I tell if my Jello has gone bad?
Thankfully, it is not really hard to tell if your jello is still okay for consumption. There will definitely be some signs.
Below are some of the signs you should watch out for;
Smell: Once you notice a foul smell or one that is close to the odor of yeast or alcohol, it is unsafe to eat.
Color: A mold or color change means the jello is bad and should be thrown away. Do not try to avoid the parts that have changed color or scoop them out.
You will not develop a wing and suddenly disappear or vomit worms if you eat jello without knowing it has gone bad. However, it should not be a constant practice.