Hibiscus Peach Sorbet
A refreshing blend of juicy peaches and floral hibiscus creates this silky-smooth sorbet. Light, dairy-free, and packed with antioxidants, it’s a vibrant summer dessert that’s simple to prepare yet stunning to serve.
Equipment
- 1 High-speed blender
- 1 Ice cream machine
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1.5 pounds peaches pitted and quartered
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh raspberries red currants, or sliced peaches (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Hibiscus Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and ¼ cup of dried hibiscus flowers. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly and to prevent any crystals from forming on the sides. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, just until all the sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid has turned a deep ruby color from the hibiscus. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes, letting the hibiscus flowers fully infuse their tangy-citrus flavor into the syrup.
- Strain the Infused Syrup: After steeping, place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or measuring cup. Carefully pour the hibiscus mixture through the sieve, pressing lightly on the flowers to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids, and set the syrup aside to cool completely. At this point, you should have a bright, tangy, and aromatic hibiscus syrup that will serve as the flavor foundation for your sorbet.
- Blend the Fruit Base: Add the pitted and quartered peaches (about 1.5 pounds) to a high-speed blender. Pour in the cooled hibiscus syrup, then add ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice for brightness and ⅛ teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes completely smooth, with no visible chunks of fruit. For the silkiest texture, scrape down the sides of the blender once during blending.
- Strain for Extra Smoothness: To achieve a velvety sorbet, place a fine strainer over a large bowl and carefully pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spatula to press the liquid through, leaving behind any fibrous peach skins or pulp. This extra step ensures your sorbet will be smooth, refined, and melt-in-your-mouth rather than icy or grainy.
- Chill the Sorbet Base: Cover the bowl of strained mixture with plastic wrap or a reusable lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling the base before churning is important—it allows the flavors to meld, improves the texture during freezing, and helps the sorbet set properly. If you’re pressed for time, you can speed this process by placing the mixture in the freezer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent ice crystals.
- Churn the Sorbet: Once chilled, pour the sorbet base into the bowl of your ice cream machine. Churn according to your machine’s manufacturer instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of soft-serve. The sorbet should hold soft peaks and cling lightly to a spoon. This step incorporates air, giving the sorbet its luscious, scoopable texture.
- Freeze for Firmness: Transfer the churned sorbet into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Press a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal with a tight-fitting lid and place in the freezer for 6 hours or overnight. This extra freezing time ensures the sorbet becomes firm enough for clean scoops.
- Soften Before Serving: When ready to serve, remove the sorbet from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period softens the sorbet slightly, making it easier to scoop without cracking or crumbling. Use a warmed ice cream scoop for the smoothest presentation.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Scoop the hibiscus peach sorbet into bowls or cones and garnish with your choice of fresh raspberries, red currants, or sliced peaches for an added burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy this light, fruity, floral treat that’s perfect for summer or anytime you crave a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Hibiscus flowers add a floral-citrus tang; dried ones work best for syrup.
- Straining both the syrup and the puree ensures a silky, smooth texture.
- Chill the base thoroughly before churning—this step is key for scoopable sorbet.
- Garnish with fresh fruit to add contrast, freshness, and a touch of elegance.
- If you don’t have an ice cream machine, freeze in a shallow pan and stir every 30 minutes until set.
- A touch of lemon juice balances sweetness and enhances the peach flavor.
- Always cover tightly before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Sorbet tastes best within the first week but can be stored longer if needed.
- Slight softening before scooping makes serving much easier.
