The dog days of summer are just around the corner, a season that calls for refreshing eats that won’t keep you in the hot kitchen any longer than necessary. Staying cool in July is necessary for safety and comfort’s sake. With that in mind, International Fresh Market, a local grocery store in Naperville, has curated a selection of refreshing treats from around the world that are sure to fit into any summer plans you might have.
Asian Delights
These Asian-inspired treats are not only refreshing but sweet as well, perfect for anyone in your home who has a taste for international desserts.
Mochi Ice Cream
Japanese mochi ice cream is made with a chewy dough wrapped around ice cream. It comes in a wide variety of flavors, with the most popular options being mango, strawberry, and green tea. If making it at home, be sure to have mochiko flour on hand, since that ingredient is key to preparing the dessert’s signature chewy dough.
Thai iced tea
Made with condensed milk, sugar, and black tea, Thai iced tea is sweeter than traditional American iced tea. It’s perfect to serve on hot afternoons alongside some light pastries or shortbread cookies. You can prepare it from scratch or purchase concentrate to make it even easier to whip up on a scorching July afternoon.
Latin American Refreshments
Latin American treats are known for not only using natural ingredients but for being easy to prepare as well. Here are a few top Latin American summer treats:
Mexican paletas
Paletas are popsicles made with fruit. They can be made with water or milk, with popular flavors including coconut, mango, and tamarind. They can be purchased in most international grocery stores or Hispanic markets, but they are also easy enough to make at home with your favorite chopped fruit.
Brazilian açaí bowls
Açaí bowls are not only a delicious treat but they have health benefits as well, including potentially improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood sugar. Açaí bowls can be made with almost any toppings, including granola, and local fruit, and topped with a drizzle of honey. The most important thing is the base, which is made with a blend of frozen fruit and açaí puree.
Middle Eastern Coolers
Middle Eastern treats can add a pop of color and sweetness to a party around the pool. Here are a few top options:
Lebanese lemonade (limonana)
Made with lemon juice and sugar, Lebanese lemonade is known for featuring fresh mint, which adds a refreshing twist to this traditional summer staple. Prepare as you would traditional lemonade, blending fresh mint leaves in with lemon juice before adding to water.
Turkish dondurma
Turkish ice cream, also known as dondurma, is different from American ice cream thanks to the inclusion of a starchy root called salep. This addition makes dondurma somewhat chewy and stretchy, all while taking on a sweet, creamy taste.
European Chillers
From light gelato to indulgent Spanish horchata, European summer treats open up a world of sweet possibilities!
Italian gelato
Gelato is a traditional Italian dessert made with cream, milk, egg yolks, and sugar. Gelato tends to have less fat than regular ice cream, as well as a distinctive silky texture. There are many popular flavors of gelato, including lemon and pistachio.
Spanish horchata
A refreshing drink made with ground almonds or rice and swirled with sweet cinnamon, horchata can be enjoyed hot or cold. Since horchata is plant-based, it can be enjoyed by those who typically can’t eat dairy products. While it first became popular in Latin America, today horchata is enjoyed all over the world.
Visit International Fresh Market for Refreshing Summer Treats
Whether your summer plans take you around the world or not, by adding any of these delicious treats to your menu, you can infuse your season with international flair. International Fresh Market, your grocery store in Naperville, has all the treats you need to make desserts from scratch or enjoy them pre-made. Visit us today to check out our selection of refreshing summer treats!
