| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 4 hours (to freeze) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 34g | 3g | 1g | 0.01g |
One of my all-time favorite recipes to share with family and friends is the Acerola-Peach Sorbet. As a New Jersey native with deep Italian roots and an unabashed love of hearty traditional foods, you might be surprised to find a sorbet on my list of top picks. Yet, the beauty of food and cooking is its versatility and its ability to transport you to new worlds while sitting at your dinner table. Just as my grandmother’s spaghetti sauce can instantly return me to her bustling kitchen, this Acerola-Peach Sorbet transports me to sun-drenched orchards and perfect summer days.
A Burst of Fresh Fruits
The recipe’s main characters, acerola cherries and ripe peaches, shine brilliantly, their natural sweetness enhanced by a touch of granulated sugar. The fascinatingly tart Yet sweet flavor of acerola cherries combines beautifully with the fragrant juiciness of ripe peaches. The result is a refreshingly sweet and vibrant sorbet, with a delightful texture that just melts in your mouth.
The Bracing Zest of Lemon
Just when you think the taste can’t get any better, the fresh lemon juice makes its entrance, adding a mouthwatering zing and enhancing the fruity symphony of flavors. No good Italian recipe is complete without a hint of this citrusy delight.
Health-wise, this sorbet is a crowd-pleaser as well. The acerola cherries are a powerhouse of vitamin C, not to mention the ton of fiber and antioxidants packed in the ripe peaches. So, every spoonful serves up an incredibly delicious and healthy treat.
In terms of pairings, the Acerola-Peach Sorbet hails from the same culinary playground as the classic Italian granita. While it’s a complete delight in its own right, it can also play the perfect companion to a variety of dishes — think airy sponge cakes, crisp buttery cookies, or even a simple cheese platter for an adventurous combination.
Whether you’re capping off an evening meal, looking for a midday refreshment, or want to impress guests at a gathering, the Acerola-Peach Sorbet is a recipe that won’t disappoint. Time and again, the collective response is a blissful silence that speaks volumes more than words ever could. For moments like these, I truly love this recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh acerola cherries
- 2 cups of ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the fruits. Wash the acerola cherries and the peaches thoroughly. After washing, peel the peaches and take out their pits. Do take care while peeling and pitting the peaches to avoid any accidents.
Step Two
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir this mixture continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved in the water. This will create a simple syrup. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool.
Step Three
After the syrup has cooled somewhat, add the prepared acerola cherries, peaches, and the fresh lemon juice into the saucepan. Stir everything together until the fruits are well-coated with the syrup and lemon juice.
Step Four
Now we move on to blending. Transfer the fruit and syrup mixture into a blender or food processor. Puree the mixture until it is smooth. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture in your sorbet, you can blend it less.
Step Five
Once you’re satisfied with the texture, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to freeze this into a sorbet. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to prevent it from freezing solid into a block.
Step Six
After the freezing process is completed, you can now serve your Acerola-Peach Sorbet. Dish it up into bowls or glasses and garnish with mint leaves if you wish. This refreshing, fruity sorbet is perfect for a hot summer day or as a palate cleanser in a multi-course meal.
