Paleta de Piña
Introduction to Paleta de Piña
Paleta de Piña, or pineapple popsicle, is a refreshing and vibrant frozen treat that originates from Mexico. This delightful dessert is known for its exotic tropical flavor and smooth ice texture, perfect for cooling down during hot summer days. Traditionally sold by street vendors across Latin America, paletas have found their way into hearts and freezers around the world. The history of paletas can be traced back to the indigenous communities of Mexico, who used to freeze natural fruit flavors with ice gathered from volcanoes before the era of modern refrigeration.
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Pineapple
Select a ripe pineapple for the sweetest flavor. Start by cutting off the crown and the base, then stand the pineapple upright on the cutting board. Slice away the skin by following the contour of the pineapple. Once peeled, remove any remaining "eyes" using a small paring knife. Cut the pineapple in half and then into quarters, removing the core from each section. Chop the pineapple into small chunks and set aside.
Step 2: Creating the Pineapple Puree
Add the pineapple chunks into a blender. Blend until smooth. Measure out the juice of one lime and add it to the blender. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and flavor profile of the pineapple. Blend everything until completely combined.
Step 3: Adjusting the Mixture
Taste the puree for sweetness. Depending on personal preference and the natural sweetness of the pineapple, you may opt to add more sugar or another squeeze of lime. Mix again until the desired taste is achieved.
Step 4: Pouring into Molds
Prepare your chosen popsicle molds. Carefully pour the pineapple mixture into each mold, leaving a small gap at the top to allow expansion as it freezes. Insert popsicle sticks into the center of each mold, ensuring they are standing upright.
Step 5: Freezing
Place the molds in the freezer, ideally in an area where they will remain undisturbed. The paletas will typically take around four to six hours to fully freeze. It's recommended to let them freeze overnight for the best results. For exact timing, you can use a handy cooking timer.
Enjoying Your Paleta de Piña
Once frozen, remove the paletas from the molds by briefly running warm water over the outside of each mold. This will loosen the paletas and allow them to slide out effortlessly. The Paleta de Piña is best enjoyed on a hot day, as the tangy and sweet flavors perfectly balance the sweltering heat. Whether they're served after a meal as a light and refreshing dessert or enjoyed as a midday treat, these paletas offer a taste of the tropics with every bite.