Meyer Lemon Mint Granita
2012 © copyright Savory Simple, all rights reserved
Meyer lemons are everywhere right now! Have you ever tried one? They have a slightly sweeter and less acidic flavor than regular lemons, with a hint of orange. I use them everywhere: in tea, baked goods and savory dishes. Meyer lemons work wonderfully in this granita recipe.
A granita is a refreshing Sicilian treat that’s often served as a mid-meal palate cleanser. It’s similar in texture to sorbet or Italian ice, and works wonderfully as a light dessert. The combination of lemon and mint in this recipe reminds me of a mojito. I bet a splash of rum drizzled over the top before serving would be fabulous.
If you don’t have access to Meyer lemons or they’re not in season, simply substitute regular lemons.
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (mostly inactive)
Yield: approximately 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 4 Meyer lemons
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 10 mint leaves
Method:
- Using a vegetable peeler, zest long strips from 2 of the lemons and set aside. Juice the lemons through a fine mesh strainer.
- Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and simmer on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Take the pot off the heat and add the zest and mint. Allow the flavors to steep for 30 minutes while the mixture cools.
- Strain the zest and mint from the sugar syrup and stir in the lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a brownie pan or flat-bottomed glass dish. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Stir the mixture very thoroughly with a fork and allow it to freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours. Make sure to mix the granita well every time, scraping down the sides. The idea is to prevent ice crystals from forming so you wind up with a consistency similar to sorbet. If the mixture isn’t stirred thoroughly you might wind up with small blocks of ice, which aren’t nearly as fun to eat. 3 hours will give you a good granita, 4 hours will guarantee the consistency if you’re not planning to serve it immediately. I recommend serving within 24 hours.
This looks so good love lemon treats :)
it looks amazing, as everything on your blog! I was looking for healthy desserts for a while now, this may be the one!
Wow! That looks so refreshing, and I love Meyer lemons. I love the photo too. Great job!
That does sound delicious and I think I’d like mine with tequila!
Great photo :)
That is positively GORGEOUS ! I adore Meyer lemons, and can barely wait to try this. It’s made it’s way to this weekends menu! Just beautiful! (and WHAT a pretty photo!)
LOVE meyer lemons.
And that IS a great photo. I am licking my screen right now.
LOVE IT! I had forgotton all about this. Thank you. Thank you! c
Another beautiful photo. How did you get such a flat yellow background?
Sadly, I have yet to find a Meyer lemon in Sweden. :(
Yum! So glad to see I’m not the only one making frozen lemon desserts in the winter :) I made a Meyer Lemon Semifreddo this weekend… Another great use for this citrus!
Gorgeous presentation – now I just need to replenish my Meyer lemon supply so I can make this!
I have guests coming on Saturday for dinner – this will be perfect! I hope mine tastes half as good as yours looks!
I am so completely addicted to meyer lemons. I have a huge bag of them at home. Something tells me I know what I am making with them next :) Gorgeous photo!
We love granitas. I like how you use the zest and juice!
YUM!
Sounds Delicious
I know this would be good: I often make Meyer lemonade and put fresh mint in it. Never tried it with rum though — obviously an oversight!
How refreshing! Thanks for the reminder and just in perfect time as I overbought lemons and this would be a great idea as an ending for a meal. Take care, BAM
I love Meyer Lemons! This sounds really refreshing. Love your spoon, it’s so cute :)
So elegant! I’ve never tried Meyer lemons, but they’re definitely on my look-out list now!
Looks extremely refreshing! When are they in season? Cause this looks like a great summer treat
It probably varies with location, but in the DC area I only see Meyer lemons available during winter. This would be a perfect summer dessert but I think I’d have to make it with regular lemons.
I was thinking of making the lemon souffle.. now I need to make this too! I think I have just enough lemons left over.. Yay!!
I would love to try a Meyer lemon. Have heard so much good things about it!
unfortunately, I’ve never seen them where I live. =(
anyway, this looks like a very refreshing treat! I would make these with just regular lemons!
Love, love, love Meyer Lemons!!! I haven’t seen them down here yet this year, but I’m hoping they pop up soon so I can try this! Thanks for sharing! :)
Looks so tasty! I will definitely try this recipe, especially when summer is here. Thanks for your awesome blog, always an inspiration!
i luv the taste of meyer lemons
Your photography has gone from a 10 to a 15!! This photo is beautiful :) I can ‘taste’ the lemons :)
That being said – I WISH I COULD, it looks wonderful. :)
Am I too late? I love lemons and its nice to fill it with ice up to the brim.
We just discovered these tiny packages of juiciness ourselves. Your idea for a palette cleanser is great – thanks for posting. PS – Any tips for getting so many followers? Besides great content, that is?
People respond to content and photography!
Just zested a meyer lemon the other day. Yes, love having them around right now. This looks so light and refreshing!
What a gorgeous dish of goodness. Granita isn’t so difficult to make by presenting it like this is an art. :)
This sounds so refreshing…especially when serving a rich meat course.
This looks so perfect!!!
I have some cute Meyers sitting on my counter, I am so making this…
Beautiful picture.
Looks delicious!
In the last couple of days, this is maybe the 4th or 5th blog I’ve seen make reference to Meyer lemons. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen them in a store (or anywhere), but they have my attention now. I’ll have to keep my eye open.
Fantastic picture!
It looks so beautiful! The lemons I get here are not as sweet, unfortunately.
I love Meyer lemons so much they inspired my logo! You have used them in a refreshing recipe here–wonderful!
This looks gorgeous! And fresh, delicious, refreshing, etc. Yumm!
Sounds delicious! I’m pinning this as we speak!
I love lemon! Your photography is gorgous.