The inspiration for this recipe came from the beautiful linen that was naturally dyed with avocado pits from my friend Maggie Pate. She reached out to me some time ago with the special news that she had written a cookbook, but it was not your typical cookbook. Instead, this her book is all about natural dyeing, something that Maggie is very passionate about. I have admired Maggie’s work for years, so I was beyond excited to get to be a part of launching her Natural Colors Cookbook into the world! When it came time for me to pick which food-waste dyed linen I would share along with a recipe, I could not get over the beautiful shade of peachy-pink that avocado pits create! Thankfully there is one grocer who has avocados and limes here in our village (two harder to find ingredients on the island) so I dreamt of combining these with the super sweet galia melons that are a summer staple here and this avocado + melon + lime sherbet was born!
Just for the record, let’s clear up the difference between a sherbet and a sorbet. A sorbet is a combination of fruit and sweetener. A sherbet is basically sorbet with the addition of milk, which is like a creamy version of sorbet. I personally have always been drawn to sherbets – I love the way they have a touch of creaminess without being as heavy or cloying as ice cream. And since I used coconut milk in this recipe it would technically be considered a sherbet. The avocados also contribute to the creaminess of this sherbet. And this is not the first time I have employed avocados in a frozen treat, so I knew from experience that they would lend the perfect texture without making the sherbet taste of avocado once combined with the other ingredients. While it may seem odd to use avocados in dessert to some of you reading this, avocados are very popular ice cream in East Asia and for good reason – they are a fruit after all and when used with other sweet ingredients they take on a whole different nuance.
In effort to create an accessible sherbet recipe, I wanted to test a method that would not require an ice cream maker. By freezing the melon before blending, the sherbet gets off to a semi-frozen start. You could stop here after blending and you would have a delightful smoothie, but to get a scoop-able sherbet, the mixture needs to chill out in the freezer for a bit. And about 2-3 hours later, you have a refreshing, creamy sherbet without an ice cream maker!
This avocado + melon + lime sherbet is absolutely dreamy – once you try one bite, you will want to keep on tasting it over and over because it is THAT good! I was blown away by how well this turned out and I am truly so excited to share this recipe with all of you! It is naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan by substituting the honey with a natural liquid sweetener of your choice, like agave or maple syrup for example.
Flipping through the pages of Maggie’s book, I have been really inspired to try my hand at natural dyeing. There is something truly romantic about the art of collecting natural ingredients and using them to leave an impression on a piece of clothing or material. It seems to me that you are not only infusing the material with the essence of the natural ingredients, but with a story of the love and care it took to create such a beautifully hued item. Namely, I have an off white linen dress that I am seriously thinking about dyeing using Maggie’s methods. Now its just a matter of deciding which natural color I will try first?!
p.s. if you are interested in seeing all of the beautiful items that Maggie natural dyes, you can check out her website Nade Studio
PrintAVOCADO + MELON + LIME SHERBET
- Yield: 12-15 scoops of sherbet 1x
Ingredients
- 100 grams avocado, cut into chunks, frozen (1 large avocado or 1 cup)
- 525 grams green fleshed melon, cut into chunks, frozen (1 small melon or about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) honey (to make vegan substitute agave or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp (30 milliliters) fresh lime juice (from about 1)
- 1/2 tsp finely grated lime zest (from about 1/2 of one lime)
Instructions
- DIRECTIONS
- In a blender, add the frozen avocado, melon, honey, coconut milk, lime juice and zest. Process until completely smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a storage container and freeze for about 2-3 hours or until sherbet is set enough to scoop.
These look amazing! Any idea whether they would make a good popsicle, or is it too soft for that application?
Definitely am going to check out that book, too. I’ve been really wanting to try natural dying, but didn’t know where to start. Thanks!
I think they would make a perfect popsicle! The mixture does firm up really good when left in the freezer! You are so welcome! It is a very well thought out book, I know you will enjoy it!
Gorgeous Bella, I can’t wait to try this recipe! It’s definitely kid friendly! I can imagine the addition of avocado lends extra creaminess!
Thank you Michelle! I know that you guys would love this so much and I think it would make perfect popsicles for Tristan! <3
YUMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
so yummy!
this collection of photos are STUNNING girl!!!
aw…thank you SO much!
quick question, i have looked EVERYWHERE on-line to find where i can purchase prints of your AMAZING Food Styling and Photography, i can NOT for the Life of me find them for sale ANYWHERE, which is SUPER surprising since your work is BEYOND ultra ultra?!?!?!? where can i buy prints at bella?!?!?!?
Thank you so much…I actually am hoping to start offering prints of my work…hopefully I will have everything ready before the holiday season.
Ohh, and Truth be told, Avocado + Melon + Lime Sherbet is Savant Genius status right there 4SURE!!!!!!!!!!
hahahahaha!
This green color is just GORGEOUS! Love it.
Thank you so much Sonia! It is SO good too! I bet even Larson would like it!
Bella, this looks so refreshing! Thinking I need these today-going to be a hot one!
Pretty sure I need this right now. YUM!!! -CK
haha! I am pretty sure you would love it Christiann! <3
This particular linen combo intrigues me so much! I love that it turns the linen soft pale pink! I’m also dying for a scoop of this ice cream:)
I know right!? I cannot wait to try my hand at natural dyeing with avocados! And I know you would LOVE this flavor profile!