The Origins of Paletas
Paletas were first created in Mexico, in a town called Tocumbo, in the 1940s. A number of local families with a passion for all things sweet, started to make these frozen ice cream treats to offer a refreshing and delicious snack. Paletas are traditional Mexican popsicles, which come in many types of flavors and combinations.
One prominent theory points to the early 19th century when Mexico gained independence from Spain. Since Spain no longer held monopolies on many products, including ice, prices plummeted. The widespread use of ice led to its combination with fresh fruits and the frozen Mexican treat was born.
Paletas and Paleteros
Paletas (pronounced pa-LE-tas) or “paletas Mexicanas” combine gourmet ice cream and popsicles with a wide range of yummy and fresh toppings. Shops specializing in ice pops known as paletas are springing up in cities both large and small. If this is a concern for you, then paletas may be the perfect alternative dessert option for your needs.
These tasty treats fall low on the glycemic index. This fruit paleta doesn’t stray far from your traditional strawberry flavor. However, the strawberry paleta is made from fresh strawberries.
Mexican Culture and Paleta Varieties
A paleta is a gourmet upgrade to the basic idea of a popsicle. It comes in a wide variety of flavors and styles to suit all palates. Paleta creators frequently go the extra mile to be particularly inventive with their flavors. Paletas are a Mexican frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits or from rich creamy ingredients. They are different from a regular popsicle in that they are made with fresh local fruit and lots of it.
These paletas are pretty much Mexican culture on a stick, with amazing ingredients mixed together to create flavors such as mangoneada, mamey sapote, arroz con leche, Mazapan, and more. Over the years, paletas have become an integral part of Mexican culinary culture and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Making Paletas at Home
At its simplest, simmer fruit with some sugar and citrus, blend, pour into molds and freeze! A refreshing frozen treat great for kids and big kids! Paletas are considered the gourmet ice lolly of the frozen treat world, made with fresh, quality ingredients. They are much smaller than ice cream bars, making them perfect for those who want a sweet treat without feeling overly full. At Pepito’s, all our Paletas are "made today to enjoy today".