Green Coconut and Grapefruit Shaved Ice Recipe
This recipe creates a light and invigorating green coconut and grapefruit granita, a delightful shaved ice dessert. Combining the delicate sweetness of coconut water with the zesty brightness of grapefruit, it offers a refreshing and subtly tropical treat perfect for warm days or as a palate cleanser. The process involves simple freezing and scraping to achieve its signature icy texture.
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Shallow freezer-safe pan e.g., glass baking dish
- 1 Fork
- 10 Serving bowls
Ingredients
Main
- 24 ounces fresh or canned green coconut water
- 8 ounces grapefruit juice ideally fresh squeezed
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- Garnish: honey or grapefruit segments optional
Instructions
- Combine green coconut water, grapefruit juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the liquid into a shallow, freezer-safe pan, such as a glass baking dish or a metal tray.
- Place the pan in the freezer and freeze for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until ice crystals begin to form around the edges.
- Using a fork, vigorously scrape the ice crystals from the edges towards the center of the pan, breaking them up.
- Return the pan to the freezer and continue freezing, scraping with the fork every 30 to 45 minutes, until the entire mixture has a light, fluffy, shaved-ice consistency. This process may take 3-4 hours.
- Once fully frozen and scraped, spoon the granita into individual serving bowls or glasses.
- Garnish with a drizzle of honey or fresh grapefruit segments, if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
To achieve the perfect granita texture, regular scraping is crucial. Starting after about 45 minutes to an hour of freezing, and then every 30-45 minutes thereafter, will yield light, fluffy crystals rather than a solid block of ice. Adjust sugar to your grapefruit's tartness – a taste test after dissolving is key. Using fresh green coconut water, if available, significantly enhances the delicate tropical notes. For an elevated presentation, consider garnishing with toasted coconut flakes, fresh mint, or a touch of lime zest alongside the suggested honey or grapefruit segments. Ensure the mixture is completely cool before freezing for optimal crystal formation.