Check the sweetness of the melon
Very ripe melon may need only 40 g sugar. The unfrozen mass may taste a little sweeter, because cold dampens the sweetness perception.
Italian Recipe
Watermelon granita with lime
For the Granita, low-core water melon flesh is finely pureed and frozen in a flat metal shell. Regular scraping with a fork produces the typical grainy structure.
Total time
4 hr 15 min
Calories
105 kcal
Servings
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Why this recipe works
Loose granite instead of a solid ice block
Sugar lowers the freezing point and keeps the crystals spoonful, lime balances out the sweetness of ripe melon. The decisive factor is a large, flat shell: the mass freezes more evenly and can be loosened from the edge to the middle. Four scrapers result in a fine, but still noticeable grain.
Summer Recipes
Italian Recipes
Fruit
Recipe
Watermelon granita with lime
Watermelon granita does not need an ice machine. Lime, a light sugar syrup and repeated scratching turn melon into loose, refreshing ice crystals.
Ingredients
6 servings
Method
-
1
Cook light syrup
Boil sugar and water in a small pot until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove syrup from the stove and let it cool to room temperature.
-
2
Purify melon
Dice watermelon and puree finely. Rub the lime peel, squeeze out both limes and mix juice, zest, salt and the cooled syrup under the puree.
-
3
Freeze mass
Pour puree at most 2 cm high into a flat metal bowl and freeze horizontally for 60 minutes.
-
4
Multiple loosening of crystals
Raise frozen edges with a fork to the middle. Repeat this process three more times every 30 to 40 minutes until even ice crystals are formed.
-
5
Serve Granita
Scratch Granita again vigorously immediately before serving, fill in loosely and garnish with mint as desired.
Kitchen know-how
Tips for Watermelon granita with lime
Freeze flat
In a metal bowl, the mass freezes faster than in glass or ceramics. A thin layer facilitates regular scratching.
Variations
How to adapt this recipe
Fill two tablespoons of granite in glasses and pour chilled mineral water over it immediately before drinking.
Replace 250 g of watermelon with cleaned strawberries. Purify both fruits together and spread the mixture through a sieve if necessary.
Nutrition per serving
105kcal
25.0 gCarbohydrates
1.0 gProtein
0.0 gFat
Values are estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about Watermelon granita with lime
The mass was filled too deep or not often enough scraped during freezing. Let it thaw for a short time and work it grainy again with a stable fork.
Closed airtight, it stops in the freezer for about a week. Leave to thaw for 10 minutes before serving and scratch again.
Without sugar, the granite freezes harder and tastes less aromatic. With very sweet melon, you can reduce the amount, but should use some syrup.
A wide, flat stainless steel shape is ideal. It conducts cold quickly and offers enough surface to scrape the crystals off the edge.
Keep cooking