Viral shaved ice trend: The ultimate summer hack

Now that the weather is finally heating up in South Africa, we’re looking for poolside refreshments the whole family can enjoy, which leads us to the viral shaved ice trend.

In case you haven’t come across this trend on your socials, it’s basically the lazy person’s guide to granita, and we’re not mad about it! The trend went viral when food blogger Frankie Gaw first showcased the original version – using frozen strawberries to make a quick and delicious refreshing treat.

Looking at getting in on the trend? Here’s how: freeze your favourite fruit and when you’re in need of an ice-cold refresher, simply use a microplane to finely zest your frozen fruit of choice.

You can either enjoy the shaved ice as is, or you can get creative with it. Serve over yoghurt or ice cream, or top with honey, maple syrup or condensed milk for an added sweetened touch. It’s a forgiving trend, so you can really make it your own!

In terms of what fruit can be frozen, just about anything goes – if it can freeze, you can viral-shave-ice it!

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• You can use fruit that’s no longer at its freshest, so you’ll be wasting less.
• It’s perfectly refreshing on a hot day.
• Once the fruit is frozen, it takes a little elbow grease and a few minutes to make.
• You can add as much (or as little) shaved fruit as you like.
• Shave your frozen fruit straight into a glass, add a shot of vodka, gin or white rum, and top with soda water for a refreshing poolside spritzer!

Some flavour combos we’re living for this summer:

• Frankie Gaw’s OG: frozen shaved strawberry topped with condensed milk, crushed peanuts and black sesame seeds for some crunch and mint.

@littlefatboyfrankie Strawberry shaved ice 🍧🍓 All you need is frozen berries and a grater! #kitchenhacks #strawberry #desserts #fruit #fyp #foryou #letseat ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

• Frozen watermelon shaved over vanilla yoghurt and finished with a touch of lime and mint.
• Frozen pineapple served over coconut-flavoured yoghurt, topped with pistachios and a brown sugar syrup.
• Frozen papaya and lime shaven over double cream Greek yoghurt, topped with maple syrup.