| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 4 hours (freezing time) | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 154 | 0g | 0g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 1g | 1g | 0g |
Howdy y’all! For me, there is no comfort food quite like my stepmother’s Grapefruit Sorbet recipe. This delightful, fresh-frozen dessert traces its roots back to my summers spent on the coast of South Carolina. My endearing creation with its soft pale rose color, derived from the magical blend of grapefruit juice and zest, sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, is a tribute to those joyful, sunny days.
The Charm of Southern Citrus
Upon the first taste, the citric symphony dances all over one’s taste buds, delivering a refreshing taste of tart, mildly sweet, and effervescent experience that leaves one invigorated. I have always found a distinct charm in the South’s love for all things citrus. This Grapefruit Sorbet perfectly illustrates that sentiment, giving a nod to other citrusy delights like the classic Lemon Bars or good ole’ Key Lime Pie.
The natural grapefruit flavor in this sorbet is a welcoming change amidst the traditional Southern palette of creamy, indulgent treats. The citrus beauty stands boldly with its vibrant appeal, as a delightful conclusion to a hearty Lowcountry Boil or paired with Southern style BBQ for an unforgettable tangy twist.
The Healthful Side of Dessert
Grapefruits, the star ingredient of this sorbet, are known nutritional powerhouses. Being rich in antioxidants, they have been linked with boosting immunity and heart health. Its high Vitamin C content helps in flushing toxins while promoting skin health. Team this with a natural sweetener of your choice, and you create a guilt-free dessert that wonderfully satisfies the sweet tooth and offers health benefits. You can read more about Grapefruit benefits here.
So this recipe, more than a simple sorbet, represents a fusion of my Southern heritage with my love for fresh coastal flavors. It encapsulates a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful, bringing forth cherished memories of South Carolina summers, spent swimming in blue seas and watching the world go by under clear skies. It’s these personal connections that transform every dish from a mere blend of ingredients to an edible love letter. And let’s be honest, isn’t that why we all love to cook?
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 2 cups of fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon of grapefruit zest
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
Method
Step One
Start by combining the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar is completely dissolved. This should create a simple syrup. Allow this syrup to cool completely.
Step Two
Once the syrup is cooled, mix in the fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir this mixture well to ensure all the ingredients blend together properly.
Step Three
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the machine. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it then scrape it with a fork every hour until it’s frozen and fluffy.
Step Four
After the mixture has been churned or frozen into a sorbet texture, transfer it to a lidded container and let it freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and scoopable.
Step Five
Serve the Grapefruit Sorbet as a refreshing and tangy dessert. Enjoy!
