On a hot summer day nothing is more refreshing than a scoop of cool and flavorful sorbet. With flavors that range from raspberry to melon to red wine, there is a sorbet out there for every type of palate. In this article we will dive deep into the chilly world of sweet sorbets.
What is Sorbet Made of?
At its most simple, sorbet is sweetened, flavored, ice. Sorbets can be flavored with fruit juice, wine, liqueurs or honey. Spices such as cinnamon or herbs such as mint may also be used to flavor the finished sorbet.
History of Sorbet
The word sorbet comes from the Persian word “sharbat”, which is a chilled beverage flavored with a variety of aromatics. Iced beverages were prized in Ancient times when refrigeration was an extravagant luxury afforded by very few. The word sorbetto was first used in Italy to refer to a beverage consumed by Turkish people. The French later turned the word sorbetto into sorbet where it was soon adopted by the English and American in the 17th century.
What’s the Difference Between Sorbet and Sherbet?
In the United States sorbet cannot contain any dairy (unlike sherbet, which contains a portion of milk or dairy). Sorbet tends to be icier and more granular, whereas sherbet has a creamier mouthfeel.
Best Uses for Sorbet
While there is nothing more satisfying than a cool cup of sorbet, we do love to introduce sorbet to desserts for unique pairings that taste even better than the sum of their parts. For instance, strawberry sorbet tastes fantastic when paired with Peach Shortcake or try lemon sorbet with a Summer Berry Crumble. Looking to go more chocolatey? A port wine sorbet would taste divine when paired with a rich Chocolate Guinness Cake.
Shopping for Sorbet
You can find sorbet at your local grocery store. Some companies now offer sorbet in popsicle form for a portable approach to your favorite icy treat. Store sorbet in your freezer as you would ice cream. Serve with berries, fresh fruit, cake, or pie.
Feature Image: Flickr user jessicafm ( CC BY-ND 2.0 )
