Chinese Osmanthus Jelly (Gui Hua Gao) — Floral Dessert
China — Hangzhou, Guilin, and Shanghai osmanthus growing regions
Gui hua gao (桂花糕) — osmanthus cake/jelly — is a delicate Chinese dessert made by setting osmanthus-infused liquid (water or rice wine) with agar-agar or gelatin, layered in alternating clear and golden tiers. Osmanthus flowers (sweet osmanthus, Osmanthus fragrans) are used fresh in season or preserved in syrup. The fragrance is intensely floral, apricot-like, and uniquely Chinese.