Watermelon + Hibiscus Paletas

Latin paletas {also known as ice pops or popsicles} are usually made from fresh fruit ... some are cream-based, but most are water-based. 

Watermelon + Hibiscus are common flavors for authentic agua frescas ... they work perfectly together for paletas too!  These delicious flavors make a mouth-watering, refreshing pair.  

WATERMELON + HIBISCUS PALETAS

Perfectly sweet + hydrating ... these paletas will keep you happy + cooled off throughout the summer. 

Equipment: Medium-Size Saucepan w/ Lid, 8-Cup Measuring Cup or Large Bowl, Fine Mesh Strainer, Cutting Board, Sharp Quality Chef's Knife, Blender, Popsicle Molds 

{Affiliate links included help support this blog.}

Ingredients

• 2 cups filtered water  
• 2 tablespoons hibiscus flowers*
• 2 tablespoons raw honey {or sweetener of choice}
• 3 cups fresh or frozen organic seedless watermelon, cubed 

Instructions

1. In a medium-size saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to boil.  Remove from heat and add hibiscus flowers.  COVER with a lid and let steep for at least 1 hour {covering helps keep all of the beneficial properties in the tea}.  For a bolder flavor, I steep mine for about 2 hours or more.  

2. Over a 8-cup measuring cup or large bowl, strain tea through a fine mesh strainer, set aside and allow to cool {by this point, it should be close to room temperature, if not, stick it into the refrigerator to cool completely}.  

3. Prep watermelon: wash the rind {I use a water-vinegar solution} before cutting into watermelon; using a cutting board and sharp quality chef's knife, cut watermelon flesh into cubes.  

4. Add watermelon cubes, honey + 2 cups of the cooled hibiscus tea to a blender.  Blend on medium speed to combine.  Puree until liquified and no watermelon chunks remain.

5. Pour watermelon-hibiscus mixture into popsicles molds. 

6. Place in freezer for at least 7 hours or until completely frozen.  

7. Enjoy on a hot day!

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 paletas ... with a little bit leftover to sample. 

Tip: Once paletas are frozen, run popsicle mold under hot water to release the mold from the paleta. 

*Notes: If you would prefer to use tea bags instead of bulk herbs, try substituting with this or this.  I use these BPA free popsicle molds ... if you prefer a stainless steel set, check these out.  

Vegan Option: Replace honey with sweetener of choice. 

Where Do I Buy Bulk Herbs? I buy bulk organic herbs, spices + more here.  

OTHER PALETAS + POPSICLES TO ENJOY

Cantaloupe Mint Paletas from Rubies & Radishes 

Strawberry Rose Paleta from Nutrition Stripped 

Paleta de Sandia y Frutas from The Nourishing Gourmet 

Delicious Lime Creamsicles from Just Making Noise 

Homemade Fudgesicles from Recipes to Nourish

Kiwi Apricot & Mango Pops from The Spunky Coconut

Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles from A Girl Worth Saving
Coconut Milk Popsicles from Hybrid Rasta Mama
Strawberries & Cream Popsicles from The Coconut Mama

   

HAVE YOU EVER HAD PALETAS BEFORE?

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