Mikan & Orange Gelée with Mint

Marugoto Mikan Zerii・丸ごとみかんゼリー

In the depths of winter, when the earth rests beneath frost and gardens lie dormant, citrus fruits offer a reminder that even in the coldest season, sweetness persists.

This recipe for Mikan & Orange Gelée with Mint honors the Japanese principle of kisetsukan (季節感), the deep awareness of season. Kisetsukan is imbued with the Buddhist understanding of impermanence, reflected in the translucent beauty of this gelée, inviting us to pause, take in its natural beauty, and appreciate what is fleeting.

Mikan, Japan's beloved winter citrus, brings vitamin C and warmth to cold months, while fresh mint awakens the senses with a clarifying aromatic counterpoint to the sweetness of the gelée and the mild bitterness of the edible cup made from the hollowed out peel of the fruit..

This dessert requires minimal technique, and no expensive specialized equipment, yet there is so much to be learned from the preparation. The practice of mindfulness in applying the principle of ichibutsu zentai (一物全体), which instructs to use an ingredient in its entirety, wasting nothing, is brought sharply into focus here.

A true sense of gratitude also arises, as the finished gelée is taken from the refrigerator, finished with a few segments of fruit reserved from the hollowing of the shells, and the plates are set out as we humbly receive the fruits of the earth with a reverent and thankful, "itadakimasu."

The Secret to Perfect Mikan Gelée

Kanten (寒天), known in the West as agar-agar, emerged from 17th-century Japan when an innkeeper discovered that frozen and thawed seaweed jelly produced delicate, shelf-stable strands. This accidental innovation quickly became treasured in Buddhist temple kitchens, where kanten offered a plant-based alternative to animal-derived gelatin, aligning perfectly with the principle of ahimsa (non-harm).

Extracted from red algae through a process of boiling, freezing, and drying, kanten sets at room temperature and creates a uniquely delicate texture—firmer than gelatin yet somehow more refined. From a holistic health perspective, kanten is remarkable: it contains roughly 80% fiber by weight, virtually no calories, and passes through the digestive system largely intact, gently cleansing as it goes.

Unlike gelatin, which melts at body temperature, kanten maintains its structure, providing a sense of satiety without burden. Rich in minerals drawn from the ocean and requiring no refrigeration to set, kanten embodies the shōjin ryōri values of simplicity, resourcefulness, and working in harmony with natural ingredients.