Watermelon Shaved Ice

1. Cut – Cut 3 cups fresh watermelon into large wedges or thick sticks. Remove any seeds and rind.
2. Freeze – Lay the watermelon pieces on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 6–8 hours or overnight until fully solid.
3. Grate – Remove from freezer and immediately grate on the coarse side of a box grater. Work quickly to keep it icy.
4. Top and Serve – Pile the shaved ice into bowls. Drizzle with maple syrup and a squeeze of lime juice. Press gently with a spoon for a sorbet-like texture.

Notes:

• Work quickly when grating — the watermelon melts fast once out of the freezer.
• Use seedless watermelon for the smoothest results.

Storage:

• Best served immediately. Refreeze the grated ice for up to 30 minutes if it softens before serving.

Swaps:

• Skip maple syrup — ripe watermelon is sweet enough on its own.
• Try tajin or chili-lime seasoning instead of lime juice for a Mexican-inspired twist.

Tips:

• Freeze watermelon in a single layer so it freezes evenly and is easier to grate.
• Press down with a spoon to pack the shavings into a smooth, sorbet-like texture.