Did you know there are other ways to make jelly besides using gelatin? In Taiwan, there are numerous ways to create plant-based jelly. Discover the delicious world of aiyu fig jelly and the mesona plant in this episode of Botanical Wonders. Plant biologist Trevor joins chef and amateur plant enthusiast Jason on a trip to Hsinchu in northern Taiwan to learn more about the versatile mesona plant. The pair explore the plant's characteristics and properties, how it is grown and harvested, and sample some common foods made with mesona. Next, they dive into the fascinating world of the aiyu fig, a plant commonly used in night markets to make refreshing aiyu jelly drinks. While exploring an aiyu fig orchard, they uncover the plant’s unique method of reproduction and some surprising characteristics of the jelly that can be made from this natural ingredient. Step into a world of Botanical Wonders and discover Taiwan through its extraordinary flora!