Definition:

In the United States, sherbet is another popular frozen dessert. Sherbet is similar to sorbet and ice cream, but falls somewhere in between the two products. It is a fruit-based frozen dessert like sorbet. However, sherbet has between 1% and 2% butterfat in the finished product.

Popular sherbet flavors include orange and raspberry. Tart citrus fruits and berries make a great compliment to the sweetness of the sugar and milk in sherbet.

Ingredients:

Both sorbet and sherbet include fruit puree, water and sugar. However, sherbet has more ingredients. It will typically use either milk or heavy cream to add the creamy, dairy base. Depending on the recipe or manufacturer, sherbet might also include eggs, gelatin or stabilizers.

Directions:

Sherbet is made using the same process as most sorbets. The water and sugar are heated to form a syrup and then mixed with a fruit puree. Once the mixture has cooled, the dairy and other ingredients are added to the fruit. Then the sherbet base is churned in an ice cream freezer to slowly freeze the product and add a little air, which helps give it the fluffy texture.

Examples:

There are tons of fun and easy sherbet recipes available online. The raspberry recipe is the easiest of the three, with only four ingredients needed. The other two sherbet recipes use gelatin to help stabilize the sherbet and give it a creamy texture. Although traditional citrus flavors are common, you can use any fruits that you love.

Check out the fun lychee sherbet for something very different than anything you will find in the store.

• Raspberry Sherbet Recipe
• Creamy Lime Sherbet Recipe
• Lychee Sherbet Recipe