Concord Grape Sorbet

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Put a shallow metal tray or loaf tin in the freezer before you start if it is not already cold; this helps the sorbet freeze faster and more evenly. Finely slice the mint leaves so they release flavour quickly.

   4 g fresh mint leaves
2. 2

   In a small bowl or jug, stir the caster sugar with the cold water until mostly dissolved, then add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt. If the sugar does not fully dissolve, keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes; using caster sugar and cold liquid keeps this step beginner-friendly without making a hot syrup.

   60 g caster sugar30 ml cold water20 ml lemon juice1 pinch fine sea salt
3. 3

   Pour the Concord grape juice into a blender or use an immersion blender in a jug. Add the lemon-sugar mixture and the sliced mint, then blend for 15 to 20 seconds until the mint is finely broken up and the base is fully combined. Taste: it should be slightly sweeter and brighter than you want to eat, because freezing dulls sweetness and acidity.

   500 ml Concord grape juice, very cold60 g caster sugar30 ml cold water20 ml lemon juice4 g fresh mint leaves1 pinch fine sea salt
4. 4

   Pour the mixture into the chilled tray and place it in the freezer. Freeze for about 45 minutes, then scrape thoroughly with a fork to break up the icy edges into the softer centre. Return to the freezer and repeat 2 more times at 30-minute intervals, scraping well each time, until the sorbet is evenly flaky and scoopable. If it freezes solid, let it stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

   500 ml Concord grape juice, very cold60 g caster sugar30 ml cold water20 ml lemon juice4 g fresh mint leaves1 pinch fine sea salt
5. 5

   Scoop or rake the sorbet into chilled bowls or glasses and garnish with the remaining mint leaves. Serve immediately for the best light, crystalline texture.

   2 g fresh mint leaves

Origin & History

Fruit ices and sorbets have long been part of American home desserts, especially as simple seasonal treats made from local juices and fruit. Concord grapes, developed in Massachusetts in the 19th century, became one of the most recognisable American grape varieties, prized for their deep colour and bold, jammy flavour.