It’s been a pretty hot summer. And it’s been one of those summers where a lot of frozen treats have been prepared and consumed in my house. This Watermelon Sorbet has been one of them. When the temperature hovers over 100 degrees the entire summer (hello, Arizona!), these kinds of frozen treats are hugely necessary. What I love about Watermelon Sorbet is that it’s sweet and refreshing. Sure, it has plenty of sugar in it. But it isn’t laden heavy with cream. It just feels like a cold, welcome treat on a hot day.
How to Pick a Good Watermelon:
Choosing a good watermelon that is ripe and juicy is something that I just learned how to do this summer. When you’re at the store, pick up the watermelon you want to buy. It should feel heavy for its size. You should also be looking for a decent yellow spot on the watermelon. I used to look for a perfect looking watermelon with no spots, but I’ve learned that perfect looking watermelons are not yet ripe. A ripe watermelon has a yellow spot– which indicates that it has been resting on that spot for a sufficient amount of time to achieve ripeness. Lastly, give your watermelon a thump with your hand. If it sounds hollow when thumped, that’s a ripe watermelon that will be juicy inside. If you thump it and the sound is dull-ish, the watermelon is likely over or under ripe.
How to Make Watermelon Sorbet:
Making any kind of sorbet is a pretty easy process as it usually involves sugar, water and fruit. This recipe calls for those things, plus some added port wine (can sub white grape juice) for a better depth of flavor. First, a sugar/water syrup is made. The watermelon is processed and then strained to get rid of the pulp. The sugar syrup, watermelon juice, port wine and lemon juice are combined to make the sorbet base. An ice cream maker does the work to turn it into sorbet.
Watermelon Sorbet is the perfect summer dessert! If you’re looking for more sorbet recipes, you might also enjoy my Easy Strawberry Sorbet or this Spiced Fresh Orange & Honey Sorbet. Chocolate Sorbet, Blueberry Sorbet and Pomegranate & Blood Orange Sorbet are good sorbet choices too!
