Berry Granita
A refreshing and tangy berry granita with citrus notes, perfect for hot days or elegant dessert options, suitable for fruit lovers and those seeking a cooling treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let cool slightly, then refrigerate until cold.
- In a food processor, puree the berries.
- Add the sugar syrup and orange and lemon juices; pulse to blend.
- Pour the mixture into a chilled 12 x 2-inch metal pan.
- Freeze for 30 minutes, or until ice crystals form around the edges.
- Stir the ice crystals into the center of the mixture.
- Return the pan to the freezer; stir every 30 minutes until all of the liquid is frozen, approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Put in fruit cups; garnish with fresh berries.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your berry granita, consider using a mix of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. If fresh berries aren't available, frozen berries can be a suitable substitute; just thaw them before pureeing. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness by altering the sugar amount based on the tartness of the berries used.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the granita into chilled fruit cups for an inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for added color. This refreshing dessert pairs beautifully with Johnson Family Salad or can be served alongside a light brunch, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover granita in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To serve, simply scrape the surface with a fork to fluff it up again. Avoid refreezing melted granita, as it can lose its texture and become icy instead of fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Berry Granita contains roughly 200 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of fruit for this granita?
Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for berries, you can experiment with other fruits like mango, peach, or watermelon. Just adjust the sugar and acidity levels accordingly, as different fruits have varying sweetness and tartness.
How do I know when the granita is ready to serve?
The granita is ready when it's fully frozen and has a fluffy, crystalline texture. It’s important to stir it every 30 minutes to ensure even freezing and to break up any large ice crystals. The entire process should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Can I make this granita ahead of time?
Yes, berry granita can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving, use a fork to scrape and fluff the granita, restoring its light and airy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).