What is nata jelly?

Nata jelly, also known as coconut jelly or coconut milk jelly, is a sweet and refreshing dessert commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is made from coconut milk, water, and a type of fermented bacteria called nata de coco. The mixture is usually sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with fruits like mango or pineapple.

Nata de coco is produced by the fermentation of coconut water with a special strain of bacteria. The resulting jelly-like substance is then cut into small cubes and mixed with the sweetened coconut milk mixture to make nata jelly.

Nata jelly has a soft and delicate texture with a pleasant coconut flavor. It is often served chilled and can be enjoyed as a dessert on its own or as a topping for shaved ice or fruit salads. Nata jelly is also a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian desserts such as halo-halo and buko pandan.