Raspados Mexicanos 🍓🍧 (Strawberry Raspado Recipe)

Raspados Mexicanos take me back to Mexico in a snap!

I have strong memories of being a kid and anxiously looking for these frosty treats on a hot day.

Just like Agua de Pepino and Paletas de Mango, they are a cool, refreshing oasis in the heat. 

Here, we’re making Raspados de Fresa 🍓❄️ (or strawberry). This fresh fruit snack is sold by Mexican street vendors that will have your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberries, cut in quarters, stems removed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 lime, juiced
• 4 cups crushed ice

Variations:

Feel free to experiment and make a different type of raspado using tropical fruits, like mango, pineapple, or tamarind.

And, if you prefer a spicier type of raspado, known as a “little devil,” add some chile powder or chamoy. 🌶️

For a fun adults-only twist, add a splash of tequila or rum.🍹

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan or large stockpot, combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and water. 

Once cooled, add lime juice and blend the mixture until smooth. 

Raspados are an integral part of Mexican culture, with a rich history and a wide variety of fruity flavors found all over the country. 

• Add the chopped strawberries. 
• With a potato masher or hand blender, mash the strawberries slightly.
• Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Remove from heat and let it cool down. Once cooled, add lime juice and blend the mixture until smooth. 🍓

You don’t want to melt the ice. Allow the mixture to cool down in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

The Name Game:

This dessert goes by many different names – strawberry raspado, Raspados de Fresa, etc. But no matter what you call this treat, it still features one of my favorite ingredients – Strawberries!

• Fill your blender or food processor about halfway with ice cubes. 
• Pulse until the ice is shaved and crushed. It should resemble snow. 

History:

The origins point to Ancient Persia, and then to Imperial Japan where they enjoyed a frozen dessert reserved only for royalty. 👑 It’s popularity soared throughout the world.

In the US, you might know this dessert as shaved ice and famous all over Hawaii.

From the word “raspar” or “to scrape,” it was first introduced to Mexico by the Spaniards.

As ice production became easier in modern times, Raspados Mexicanos are now a traditional dessert eaten all throughout Mexico.

• Transfer the ice to cups. Pack it in tightly.  
• Prepare your serving glasses with crushed ice.
• Pack the ice all the way to the top.

​In the summer, look for street vendors with blocks of ice. 

They usually shave (or scrape) the ice right in front of you and have a variety of fruit syrups to choose from.

• Next,  pour the sweet syrup over the ice.

As an option, top off your raspados with small pieces of strawberry. 

A “Healthier” Dessert

Believe it or not, this is a healthier alternative to many other desserts!

This delightful concoction is made with fresh strawberries, which are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, giving your body a nice little boost. 💪 

Plus, since you can control the amount of sugar you add, you can make it as sweet or as light as you prefer, suiting everyone’s taste buds and dietary needs. 😋🎉

Storing Instructions:

Storing crushed, shaved ice is nearly impossible. It needs to be done as serving.

You can, however, store your strawberry syrup for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.

More Refreshing Mexican desserts:

• Paletas de Mango
• Creamy Strawberry Paletas
• Carlota de Limón
• Carlota de Fresa

Raspados de Fresa 🍓 is a tasty way to indulge in fruity goodness while staying cool and refreshed. Experience the magic of this strawberry Mexican-style snow cones!

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