The Must-Try Fruit Hack For A Melt-Free 'Popsicle'
One of the best ways to cool down in the summer is to enjoy a homemade popsicle. While there are countless recipes to try with fruit juice, Greek yogurt, and chopped mixed fruit, making homemade popsicles takes extra planning and precious time in the kitchen. Wouldn't it be nice to make a frozen treat that requires few ingredients, a few simple steps, and is virtually mess-free?
If you've been looking for a frozen sweet snack that's also nutritious, look no further than watermelon. Of course, frozen watermelon isn't exactly like the standard popsicles you'd find at the grocery store. While traditional popsicles are usually made from fruit juice and water, this summertime alternative is just frozen spears of watermelon. However, the best part about this icy alternative is that you don't have to worry about frozen watermelon melting all over your hands in the blazing summer sun. Without added water or juice, watermelon pops are melt-free.
Some foodies even suggest using frozen chunks of watermelon as a tasty ice cube alternative. Sure enough, frozen fruit will not dilute those refreshing summer-friendly beverages.
How to turn watermelon into refreshing popsicles
Before getting into additional ways frozen watermelon can satisfy your sweet tooth, let's look at why watermelon is the ideal fruit to freeze during the summer and how to make these watermelon-only "popsicles." That way, you can experience the benefits of eating watermelon amidst the summer heat, all by doing the smallest amount of food prep.
When you buy a watermelon, you have to slice or chop it before having a slice (or three). By cutting the fruit into large spears or chunks and adding a popsicle stick through the bottom of each slice, you're one step closer to enjoying watermelon ice pops. From here, freeze the fruit slices on a lined baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. The only important factor to consider when making these convenient snacks is if you have enough freezer space. But because they're so easy to make, you can make one tray today and another tomorrow.
Watermelon is ideal when it comes to freezing, as the refreshing fruit is more than 90% water. Keep in mind, however, that watermelon's texture will change once the flesh has been frozen. Not only will the consistency be slightly different, but freezing watermelon can also alter its sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter melon, roll watermelon ice pops in a small amount of sugar before placing them in cold storage.
Creative ways to use fresh watermelon in frozen treats
While watermelon on a stick may be delicious, it isn't exactly a "real" popsicle. But there are plenty of ways to use watermelon and other fruits to create true popsicles, as well as other fun frozen confections.
The problem with making traditional popsicles is the inevitable drips and juice that will fall into your hands if you don't eat these hand-crafted treats fast enough. But if you're set on traditional popsicles, you can create a variety that's more or less mess-free by using a blender. Simply blend watermelon, lime juice (to taste), and either honey or sugar, and pour the mixture into popsicle molds. For a creamy component, try adding a small amount of coconut milk.
To extend outside the bounds of using only watermelon, you can make kiwi-watermelon and peach ice pops, which include not only chopped watermelon but also puréed kiwis and peach juice. If you're open to other frozen treats besides popsicles, you can also try Watermelon.org's frosted watermelon bites. These simple treats are balls of frozen watermelon rolled in fruit-flavored gelatin powder. While there are a few different ways to transform juicy watermelon into delicious frozen popsicles, the most convenient drip-free method is to freeze whole watermelon slices with popsicle sticks. It's a fun way to eat watermelon, and the simple frozen treats are refreshing and drip-free.