These fruity popsicles are the best summery treat. They are inspired by the Colombian snack mango biche, which consists of sticks or slices of green (unripe) mango, flavored with lime juice and salt. Popsicles with salt? In Colombia everything is possible and I promise you, it’s delicious.
Jump to RecipeHaz clic en Paletas de Mango Biche para la receta en español.
What is green mango (mango biche) in Colombia?
Green mango is an unripe mango.
It tastes tangy, not sweet.
The texture is firm and crunchy, as opposed to soft and juicy.
Doesn’t sound appealing? Cut the green mango in thin sticks, add lime juice and sprinkle some salt on them. This will transform this unripe fruit completely. You will be amazed. It tastes extra tangy, salty and is super refreshing.
Apparently, it has some health benefits as well, but this is not a health blog so I wouldn’t know. You can find little stands on the streets selling a plate or cup with mango biche even in the not so tropical capital Bogotá.
Popsicles in Colombia
Popsicles are a big deal in Colombia. Stores sell factory-made ones in many flavors: for example different fruits, chocolate, cream or arequipe (dulce de leche). If you are lucky you find homemade ones, normally made and sold in plastic coffee cups with a little stick in it.
A recent trip to the Antioquia region of Colombia was the inspiration for this recipe. On the top of the piedra de Peñol near the town of Guatapé ladies were selling popsicles in dozens of different flavors, including green mango. They came with a little bag of salt to sprinkle on top while eating. Intrigued as I was I decided to give it a try and it was so tangy and different and refreshing that I needed to make a homemade version.
Green Mango Popsicles (Paletas de Mango Biche)
To make these paletas you only need:
- green mango
- lime juice
- some sugar
- water
- salt for serving
Why you’ll love these popsicles:
- The popsicles taste super super tangy because of the combination of green mango and lime juice, with a light hint of sweetness to balance it
- Sprinkling some salt really gives the popsicle a kick
- By using two different textures, blended and blitzed mango and small chunks of green mango, it resembles the original snack
- Because they taste so refreshing they are perfect for a hot summer’s day. Or just when you are in need of a kick (like me and also it is never a hot summer’s day in Bogotá)
You might also like:
- Limonada de Panela (Colombian Sugarcane Limeade) THE drink for a hot day
- Colombian Lulada (Lulo Fruit Drink) another refreshing option
- Chelada (Beer Cocktail) an alcoholic version starring the lime-salt combination
- Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding) not fresh and light, but definitely a delicious dessert
- Vegan Guava Candy Muffins dessert with fruit candy
Do you love this recipe? Give it a 5-star rating below and leave me a comment! Or tag @vecinavegetariana on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe now and make it later!
Green Mango Popsicles (Paletas de Mango Biche)
Equipment
- popsicle molds (4-6 depending on size)
Ingredients
Green Mango Popsicles
- 1 big green mango (unripe mango) (about 600 g)
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 6 tbsp water
To serve
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Peel mango and cut the flesh in small pieces
- Take half of the mango and place in a blender/mixer. Add lime juice, sugar and water and blitz until smooth. Add more water if the mixture stays solid
- Add the small pieces of mango to the liquid mango mixture and mix well
- Fill the popsicle molds, make sure that you fill them all the way so there will be no air pockets. Place them in the freezer for 4 hours until completely frozen
- When ready to eat, take them out their molds (place in a cup of water for a couple of seconds if the popsicle doesn't come out)Sprinkle a little bit of salt on the popsicles and enjoy!