August 21, 2024

Honey Watermelon Granita

The Watermelon is a beloved summer fruit and freezing it into a simple dessert is a perfect way to enjoy it.

This watermelon granita is an icy, refreshing treat that is at once light and satiating. It’s sweet without being cloyingly so, and has a fresh, bright, lightly acidic taste.

A watermelon granita is the perfect ending to a barbecue or cookout meal, makes for an excellent mid-afternoon chilled treat, and even works as a frozen cocktail base. It’s kid friendly, but also sophisticated enough to serve for a dinner party.

Honey Watermelon Granita Recipe

By Andrew J. Foster

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 90 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 medium - Seedless watermelon
1/2 cup - It's All About Bees! Local Liquid Honey
Juice and zest of 4 limes
3" - Square piece of It's All About Bees! Local Honeycomb
Fresh mint and additional lime, to garnish

Instructions

Cut the melon in half and scoop out the flesh into a blender. Remove any seeds that may be in the watermelon as best you can. Blend the watermelon until pureed, pausing to stir and fully blend as needed.
Add the It's All About Bees! Local Liquid Honey, lime juice and zest and blend until well combined.
Pour the watermelon mixture into a large shallow pan and place in the freezer uncovered.
Wait one hour and with a fork, run the tines through the mixture to break up any ice crystal, return to the freezer and repeat every 30 minutes until fully frozen and icy. This mixture should be icy crystals, not a frozen block and not slushy.
To serve, scoop into shallow glass and garnish with a bit of It's All About Bees! Local Honeycomb, mint leaves and a lime wedge.

Notes

This recipe can be made into a light watermelon wine granita by adding 12 oz. of moscato or sparkling rose to the mixture before placing in the freezer. This may take additional time in the freezer. You can also add a drizzle of a fruity liqueur such as limoncello or melon liqueur over the granita when serving. This makes a unique and refreshing “after dinner” dessert!