Meyer Lemon Maple Sorbet

In 2016, we embarked on a journey that would add a zestful twist to our culinary adventures. We planted a Meyer lemon tree in our backyard, inspired by a desire to bring a piece of nature's bounty into our home. Little did we know, this tree would flourish, blessing us with hundreds of vibrant Meyer lemons each season. These aren't just any lemons; they're a sweeter, more fragrant variety that has transformed our kitchen creations, especially our homemade sorbets and lemonades.

One of our most cherished recipes is the Meyer Lemon Maple Sorbet—a delightful concoction that was born out of a simple yet revolutionary idea: adding a dash of maple syrup to lemonade. The result? A refreshing and utterly delicious treat that we knew had to be shared in sorbet form.

The Inspiration Behind the Sorbet

The idea came to us on a warm afternoon, sipping lemonade sweetened with maple syrup instead of the traditional sugar. The depth of flavor was astonishing, with the maple syrup adding a rich, complex sweetness that perfectly complemented the tangy Meyer lemon. It was a match made in culinary heaven.

Excited by this discovery, Rae and I decided to take it a step further by turning this delightful beverage into a sorbet. We picked some ripe Meyer lemons from my mom's lemon tree, a ritual that has become a beloved part of our sorbet-making process. Bringing these home-grown lemons into our recipe not only adds a personal touch but also ensures the freshest, most flavorful sorbet possible.

Meyer Lemon Maple Sorbet Recipe

This sorbet is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Here's how to bring this refreshing treat to your table:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 2 cups filtered water

  • 3 or 4 Meyer lemons (depending on size)

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Lemon Juice: Begin by juicing the Meyer lemons until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Meyer lemons are known for their unique flavor, which is less tart and more nuanced than standard lemons, making them perfect for this sorbet.

  2. Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

  3. Combine and Chill: Once the syrup has cooled, stir in the Meyer lemon juice and maple syrup. Mix well to ensure the flavors are fully combined. Refrigerate the mixture until it's thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.

  4. Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a smooth, sorbet consistency.

  5. Freeze: Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.

  6. Serve: Scoop and serve the sorbet on its own or as a refreshing finish to any meal.

A Taste of Home

Creating this Meyer Lemon Maple Sorbet is more than just a culinary endeavor; it's a way to share a piece of our home with friends and family. Each lemon picked from our tree carries the warmth and care we've poured into growing it, making this sorbet a truly homegrown treat.

We hope you're inspired to try this recipe and experience the unique blend of flavors that has captivated our hearts. Whether you have your own Meyer lemon tree or source the lemons from your local market, this sorbet is a delightful way to bring a taste of summer into your home, no matter the season.

Ryan Rucker