During these hot Central Valley days, nothing is more refreshing than a cool, citrusy dessert. We've put together a recipe for a light and icy treat that will keep you cool for the remainder of these Summer days - and it is also a great way to get some Vitamin C!
If you've never used BARI's orange infused olive oil, this is the perfect way to start. This recipe shows a simple way to highlight the fresh citrus notes in our oil.
What Is Granita?
Granita is a traditional Italian frozen dessert made with water, sugar, and flavoring — often coffee, lemon, or fruit juice. Unlike sorbet, it’s scraped by hand as it freezes, resulting in a crystalline, snow-like texture that’s incredibly refreshing.
Why Add Orange Olive Oil?
It might sound unusual at first, but here’s why a splash of orange olive oil takes granita from good to unforgettable:
🌿 1. Layered Citrus Flavor
Orange juice brings acidity and brightness. Orange olive oil adds a deeper, floral citrus essence with just a hint of bitterness. It enhances the natural flavor of the fruit and creates a more complex, grown-up dessert.
✨ 2. Silky Texture
While granita is naturally icy, the olive oil adds a touch of silkiness. It softens the sharpness of the ice crystals and gives each bite a smooth, luxurious finish — like a sorbet with a lighter, airier feel.
🧂 3. Balanced Sweetness
Olive oil has a slightly savory edge that keeps the dessert from becoming too sweet. That balance is what makes this dessert refreshing rather than sugary.
👃 4. Aromatic Finish
Just before serving, a drizzle of orange olive oil over the granita adds a burst of fragrance and a glossy sheen. It elevates the presentation while also enhancing the flavor experience.
Orange Olive Oil Granita Recipe
What You'll Need:
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for brightness)
- 1/3 cup sugar or agave syrup(adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tbsp orange olive oil
- Optional: a pinch of sea salt or fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the BARI's orange infused olive oil
- Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
- Freeze for 30–45 minutes. Then, using a fork, scrape the icy edges toward the center.
- Repeat every 30 minutes for about 2–3 hours until the texture is light and flaky.
- Serve immediately with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of mint or orange zest on top.
- For a creamier version of this dessert, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve the orange granita on top of your ice cream! This will result in a delicious orange cream version of the granita!
Happy cooking & Enjoy!! 🍊🧊🌿
If you try this recipe out, tag us on Instagram @barioliveoil