PINEAPPLE MINT GRANITA
A bright and icy Pineapple Mint Granita that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. Fresh pineapple is blended with a splash of water, a squeeze of lime and a whisper of chopped mint to create a translucent, flavour-packed puree. This granite does not need a churn or ice‑cream machine; freeze it, scrape it and repeat it to produce delicate, crystalline flakes that melt on the tongue. This pineapple mint granite is naturally vegan, gluten-free and low in sugars. This granita offers a revitalising palate cleanser or a light dessert option. This pineapple mint granite is ready in five minutes of hands-on time and is perfect for entertaining or a solo cool‑down. It transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated frozen delight.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dessert
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Caribbean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No‑Cook, Freeze
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat / Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Raw, Low Fat, Low/No Sugar, Organic, Quick & Easy, Kid Friendly
DISH TYPE
Frozen Dessert
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Pineapple Mint Granita:
- ½ cup pineapple, chopped (about 75 g)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh mint (leaves only)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 38.6 kilocalories
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Carbohydrate: 10.1 grams
- Sugar: 7.4 grams
- Sodium: 1.7 milligrams
- Fibre: 1.1 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Calcium: 12.4 milligrams
- Iron: 0.3 milligrams
- Potassium: 89.1 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Pineapple Mint Granita:
- Blend the Base: In a small blender or food processor, combine ½ cup chopped pineapple, 1 tablespoon water and ½ teaspoon lime juice. Blend until completely smooth and liquid.
- Add Mint: Stir in ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint, folding gently so you retain small flecks of green for visual appeal.
- Initial Freeze: Pour the puree into a shallow, freezer-safe dish (a small baking tray or metal container works well). Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Scrape the Granita: After 30 minutes, remove the dish and use a fork to scrape the partially frozen mixture, breaking it into icy flakes. Spread the flakes evenly across the dish.
- Final Freeze: Return to the freezer for another 30 minutes.
- Second Scrape: Scrape again with a fork to loosen any larger ice crystals, creating a fluffy and snow-like texture.
- Serve: Scoop the granita into a chilled glass or bowl. Garnish with a small mint sprig or a thin lime wedge.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Pineapple Mint Granita:
- Uniform Freezing: Use a shallow dish so the mixture freezes evenly and scrapes easily.
- Consistent Scraping: Perform two scrapes for the light and most consistent flakes, so adding more scrapes yields a finer texture.
- Mint Freshness: Chop the mint just before adding to preserve its bright colour and aroma.
- Adjust Tartness: Taste the blended mixture before freezing, so add more lime juice if you prefer extra zing.
- Avoid Clumping: Scrape thoroughly along all edges and corners to prevent dense ice pockets.
- Chilled Serving: Pre-chill your dish or glasses in the freezer for five minutes to keep the granita cold longer.
VARIATIONS
- Berry Blend: Substitute half the pineapple with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a mixed‑fruit granita.
- Herbal Twist: Use basil or cilantro in place of mint for an unexpected herbal note.
- Coconut Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon coconut milk to the blender for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or chilli flakes before freezing for warmth.
- Citrus Medley: Combine equal parts lime and orange juice for a multi-citrus granita.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Freezer: Store granita in an airtight container for up to three days. Before serving, let soften at room temperature for two minutes and scrape again with a fork to refresh the texture.
- Avoid Fridge: Do not store in the refrigerator; the granita will melt and lose its icy structure.