Beat the summer heat with this refreshing homemade citrus ginger granita. The combination of zesty citrus flavors and the subtle heat of ginger create a perfect icy treat. This granita is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a light dessert or a palate cleanser between courses. It is also a great way to use up excess citrus fruits. Serve it in beautiful glass bowls or cups to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, grated ginger, sugar, and water. Stir well.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container or a baking dish.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the freezer.
- Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and mix the icy parts into the center of the container. Repeat this scraping process every 30 minutes for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the granita has a fluffy, icy texture.
- Before serving, remove the granita from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Scoop the granita into serving bowls or cups and garnish with orange zest, grapefruit zest, lemon zest, and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy this refreshing citrus ginger granita as a light and cooling dessert or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Interesting Facts
Granita is a popular frozen dessert in Italy, often enjoyed during the hot summer months.
The word 'granita' comes from the Italian word 'grani,' which means 'grains' or 'crystals,' referring to its icy texture.
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
Ginger has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and adds a subtle heat to the granita.