Sorbet is a very popular icy dessert created from mixing water and sugar, classically made with flavouring like fruit juice or fruit puree added. With the popularity of raw and healthy desserts emerging, fresh fruits are often used and refined sugar are excluded. Instead honey, agave syrup or maple syrup are often used as a substitute to sweeten the sorbet. Sorbet is also a non-dairy dessert substitute for vegan or vegetarian and people with dairy allergy. For my gluten free fruity frozen sorbet, I am using lychee (can be fresh or canned) as my main ingredient and sweetened with agave syrup. Only 2 ingredients are included, so easy to make and its refreshing and delicious too. This recipe is also vegan, egg free, soy free, dairy free, corn free, nut free, refined sugar free and allergy friendly.
Lychee (Litchi Chinensis) is the only member of the soapberry family. It is a tropical and subtropical fruit originated from southern parts of China, namely the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian. It is now grown in many different parts of the world with China being the chief producer, followed by India, other parts of Southeast Asian and South Africa. The history of lychees dated all the way back to 1059 AD, they were eaten as a delicacy in the Chinese Imperial Court. Later presented to Western countries in 1656 by a Polish Jesuit missionary named Michal Boym. Lychee flesh is whitish in colour and has a floral fragrant and is sweet tasting. The flesh is covered by a pinkish red, coarse textured rind that can be simply removed from the white flesh. Lychees are used as an ingredient or accompaniment in many desserts and extremely popular in China and throughout Asia. They are commonly eaten fresh, made into pudding, ice cream, sorbet or other types of desserts.
Lychees are not only bursting with flavour, they are loaded with health benefits due to the vitamins, minerals and nutrients found in the fruit itself. Lychee is a major source of dietary fiber and an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), folic acid (folate), copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium and phosphorous. Furthermore, Lychee has organic compounds called proanthocyanidins and polyphenolic that help prevent various cancer. Lychee has a multitude of other health benefits include improving digestive health, boost the immune system, build strong bones, regulate blood pressure, protect skin from UV rays, improve blood circulation, prevent fluid retention and has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. However, due to its high sugar content, diabetics need to be careful when consuming lychees.
Lychee Sorbet
Ingredients
- 2 tins 565g/1.25Ib/20oz each canned lychees or 550g (1.2Ib/19oz) fresh lychees flesh (peeled and deseeded)
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey
- Mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Combine the lychees and agave syrup or honey into a Nutribullet or food processor and blend until you get a smooth texture.
Using Ice Cream Maker:
- Transfer the lychees mixture into the ice cream maker and follow the instruction manual. Serve immediately when ready or transfer to a freezer proof container and freeze until ready to serve. Serve with mint leaves.
Without Ice Cream Maker:
- Transfer the lychee mixture into a freezer proof container and freeze for around 8 hours or overnight. Check occasionally with a fork to see whether consistency has been achieved. Once desired consistency is achieved, remove from freezer and serve immediately with mint leaves.
Notes
Do I drain the syrup from the cans of lychee?
Yes, drain the syrup form the cans of lychee as you will be adding more than enough agave syrup or honey in the ingredients list. 🙂
Bought some fresh lychees this recipe looks delicious, unfortunately do not have an ice cream maker with me at the moment. Can you suggest an alternative? Would a freeze then churn in processor do?
Please refer to the recipe above again. I have actually included 2 methods of making the lychee sorbet, one with ice cream maker and one without ice cream maker. Enjoy the recipe. 🙂
The magnificent, refreshing sorbet, also with an unusual main ingredient!
Love sorbet especially when its made with fruits. Lychee is definitely one of my favourite unique and natural flavour. 🙂
Love this lychee sorbet, would never have thought to do this but imagine it is just divine:-)
Yes, it is simply a delightful dessert. 🙂