These Golden Kiwi and Coconut Popsicles are a refreshingly tropical treat perfect for hot summer days. The kiwi adds a pleasant tanginess while the coconut provides creaminess and natural sweetness. Together, they create a popsicle bursting with vibrant flavor and intriguing texture combinations.
What makes these popsicles stand out is the interplay between the soft frozen kiwi and crunchy coconut pieces suspended throughout. Each bite delivers a surprise – the juicy kiwi punctuated by toasty coconut. The pops take minimal time to prepare, requiring just a quick blend of ingredients before pouring into molds and freezing.
These handcrafted popsicles make a fun backyard barbecue dessert or poolside snack. Keep things simple by serving them naked, letting the colors shine through. Or get creative with sprinkles, shaved coconut, or kiwi slices for garnish. However you choose to enjoy them, these Golden Kiwi and Coconut Popsicles are the ultimate refreshing treat for hot summer days.
What Is Golden Kiwi?
Golden kiwi, also known as Actinidia chinensis, is a variety of kiwifruit that is distinct from the common green kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) due to its smooth, bronze skin, golden flesh, and a sweet and tropical flavor. Originating from China, the golden kiwi is now widely cultivated in New Zealand, Italy, and Chile, among other countries. This fruit variety is relatively recent compared to the more familiar green kiwi, having been commercially available since the 1990s.
Characteristics of Golden Kiwi
- Appearance: Golden kiwis are generally slightly smaller than green kiwis and have a smooth, hairless, bronze-colored skin which is thinner and can be eaten along with the fruit. The flesh inside is bright yellow to golden in color.
- Taste and Texture: They are sweeter and less acidic than green kiwis, with a tropical flavor that hints at mango and melon. The texture is similar to that of green kiwi but often perceived as being softer.
- Nutritional Profile: Like green kiwi, golden kiwi is highly nutritious, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, potassium, and fiber. It also contains a variety of antioxidants and other health-promoting phytonutrients.
Health Benefits
Golden kiwi offers several health benefits:
- Vitamin C: One golden kiwi can provide more than 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune system function, skin health, and antioxidant protection.
- Digestive Health: The fiber in golden kiwi helps promote healthy digestion and can aid in preventing constipation.
- Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for those managing blood sugar levels, as it has a low glycemic index.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains various antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Health Benefits Of Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
Beyond being refreshingly delicious, these Golden Kiwi and Coconut Popsicles deliver some solid nutritional value, making them a guilt-free frozen treat.
Some of the top health benefits of the main ingredients include:
- Kiwis are packed with Vitamin C and potassium as well as antioxidants for immunity.
- Coconut water is high in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium to hydrate.
- Coconut is full of fiber and healthy fats.
- Honey contains antioxidants and offers a natural energy boost.
So you can feel good about enjoying these homemade fruit pops on a hot day! Moderation is key, but their nutrition profile makes them one of the healthier frozen treat options during the summer.
Ingredients For Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
The tropical flavors in these popsicles come from the combination of kiwi and coconut.
- Kiwis provide the signature tangy sweetness as well as a bright green color. Choose ripe kiwis for peak flavor and sweetness.
- Coconut water gives the popsicles a subtle coconut essence and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Shredded coconut adds toasty crunch and coconut richness in each bite. Toast the coconut first for deeper flavor.
- Honey brings natural sweetness without overpowering the star ingredients. Maple syrup can be substituted.
- Lime juice adds a touch of tartness that complements the kiwi beautifully.
| Ingredient | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwis | Tangy sweetness, color | Choose ripe for sweetness |
| Coconut water | Coconut essence, creamy texture | – |
| Shredded coconut | Toasty crunch, coconut richness | Toast first for deeper flavor |
| Honey | Natural sweetness | Maple syrup can sub |
| Lime juice | Tartness | Complements kiwi |
Frozen kiwi works well if fresh kiwis are not in season. Do avoid using canned kiwi as it changes the texture.
Instructions For Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
These refreshing Golden Kiwi and Coconut Popsicles come together in just 20 minutes active time.
Here is a quick overview of the easy popsicle-making process:
- Prep the ingredients – peel and slice kiwis, toast coconut, measure out remaining items
- Blend kiwi, coconut water, honey, and lime juice until smooth
- Stir in the shredded coconut pieces
- Pour into popsicle molds (3 oz capacity)
- Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4-6 hours
And that’s it – your popsicles are ready to enjoy! No special equipment is required beyond basic kitchen tools and popsicle molds. Metal molds with plastic inserts work best as the metal helps conduct cold for fast freezing.
A few tips for achieving the perfect popsicle texture:
- Don’t overfill the molds to allow room for expansion during freezing
- Freeze for at least 6 hours for solid popsicles that don’t melt too quickly
- Run molds under warm water to help release the popsicles if stuck
With these simple instructions, you’ll be ready to churn out these tropical kiwi coconut treats all summer long.
Variations Of Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
The tropical flavors of kiwi and coconut pair so perfectly, but the possibilities don’t stop there. Try out these delicious flavor variations for your pops:
Fruits:
- Mango – for tropical fruit overload!
- Strawberry – for a sweet berry twist
- Pineapple – for a pina colada vibe
- Banana – for extra creaminess
Creative Flavors:
- Coconut rum – for a boozy adult version
- Mint – for a cool, refreshing treat
- Vanilla – for a sweeter dessert pop
You can also easily adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey to suit your tastes. For a less sweet pop, add extra lime juice to balance it out. Don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own crave-worthy flavor combos! The tropical flavors of the classic combo lend themselves well to experimentation.
Serving Suggestions Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
These vibrant green popsicles make for a festive presentation. Here are some fun ways to serve them up:
- Garnish with toasted coconut for added crunch
- Drizzle with honey or caramel sauce
- Roll in shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers
- Top with kiwi slices, berries, or other fruits
- Stick colorful paper umbrellas in each pop
- Arrange pops in a hollowed out pineapple or coconut shell
- Skewer side by side on a drink umbrella for a sharable pop
Serve these up at your next backyard BBQ, pool party, or summer soirée. The tropical vibe makes them a fun dessert for a Luau theme or beach-inspired event. Or enjoy them as an everyday treat – kids and adults alike will love these creative coconut kiwi pops.
Conclusion: Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
With a stellar combination of juicy kiwi and tropical coconut flavors, these refreshing popsicles are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day. Their delicious and unique taste profile along with the fun presentation options make them an ideal backyard party dessert or anytime treat. So blend up a batch and get ready to wow your friends and family with these vibrant Golden Kiwi and Coconut Popsicles this summer.
Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
Notes
· Sweetness: Taste the mixture after blending. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or using a sweeter variety of coconut milk.
· Creamy Popsicles: For a creamier popsicle, use full-fat coconut milk.
· Freeze Time: Freezing time can vary depending on the size and shape of your popsicle molds. Check for firmness after 6 hours.
· Unmolding: To remove the popsicles from the molds, run warm water over the mold for a few seconds. The popsicles should easily slide out.
· Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the tops of the popsicles with toasted coconut flakes and lime zest for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- • 4 ripe golden kiwis
- • 1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
- • 1/4 cup honey
- • 1/2 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- • Popsicle molds
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • For garnish: toasted coconut flakes, lime zest
Instructions
- Prep the Kiwis: Wash and peel the golden kiwis. Slice one kiwi and chop the remaining three into chunks.
- Blend the Mixture: In a blender, combine the chopped kiwis, coconut milk, honey, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. If desired, add vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness.
- Fill the Molds: Pour the blended mixture evenly into popsicle molds. If using, carefully push sliced kiwi pieces into the popsicle mixture for a pretty presentation.
- Freeze: Insert popsicle sticks into the molds and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until completely solid.
Nutrition Facts
Golden Kiwi And Coconut Popsicles
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 7 | 10.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 5 | 25% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 0 | 0 | |
| Sodium 30mg | 1.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 30 | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber 3 | 12% | |
| Sugars 20 | ||
| Protein 3 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cheen Huaye
Executive Chef Marco Velasquez brings his unique, elevated Mexican cuisine to Cheen Huaye. A native of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Marco honed his skills in some of South Florida’s finest restaurants before opening his own restaurant.
At Cheen Huaye, you’ll experience authentic Yucatecan dishes made from fresh ingredients, to order. Our food has been praised by publications like the Miami New Times and continues to receive rave reviews from diners all over. So if you’re looking for a different take on Mexican food – one that’s still familiar yet exciting – come visit us at Cheen Huaye!