Yucatán’s Helados or Frozen Treats: A Refreshing Journey Through Our Tropical Flavors
In Yucatán, we usually enjoy warm weather almost all year round. However, even during the months when we feel a bit of that lovely "cool" breeze, Yucatecos never miss the chance to enjoy good ice cream—especially if it’s the season for our favorite fruit.
Among the many culinary treasures of Yucatán, traditional fruit “helados” stand out as a delicious blend of the land’s best offerings with a touch of tradition. What better way to explore the Península than through its flavors? From the most well-known to the most exotic, join me on this tour of our local fruit “helados”, or frozen treats.
A relevant aside: Sorbet? Sherbet? Ice cream?
According to the most reputable sources, while some people use “sorbet” and “sherbet” interchangeably, the difference is that sorbet is 100% dairy free, while sherbet isn’t. Sherbet is a bit creamier, but not as thick as ice cream.
In Yucatán we don’t have an issue with the difference. They’re all called “helado”, which means “frozen,” and when we want to get specific, we ask whether it’s an “helado de agua (for dairy free)” or “helado de crema (for dairy).” Still, to give you the proper idea of the texture you should expect, we’ll be using the proper word for each, depending on what is most common for any given fruit.
Helado de huaya: Quenepa sorbet (Melicoccus Bijugatus)
One of the most eagerly awaited seasonal treats. Its sweet-and-sour, incredibly refreshing flavor is especially enjoyed with chili powder. This sorbet is perfect for quenching thirst on hot days. However, it can be hard to find since few shops dare to offer it.
When can you try helado de huaya in Yucatán?
From late May to August.
Helado de ciruela: Red mombin or Yucatecan plum sorbet (Spondias purpurea)
This ice cream is also seasonal. It’s creamier due to the fruit’s pulp and is typically made when the skin turns red, the stage when it reaches peak sweetness. It can also be enjoyed with chili powder.
When can you try helado de ciruela in Yucatán?
From April to July.
Helado de pitahaya: Dragonfruit sorbet (Hylocereus undatus)
Helado de pitahaya is offered in two versions: white, with its characteristic black specks (from the seeds), and the less common bright pink version, which gets its color from a mix of the pulp and some of the fruit’s inner rind (don’t worry, the color doesn’t affect the flavor, in case you were wondering). It’s a very balanced ice cream and definitely one of my favorites.
When can you find helado de pitahaya in Yucatán?
From May to October.
Helado de caimito: Star apple sherbet (Chrysophyllum cainito)
Trust me: this is one the most delicious helados that I have tried. Its flavor, sweet and pleasant, is an authentic delicacy, even though I have sadly only tried it at home. I’ve never seen any store that offers it, but hopefully, you’ll get lucky and have the chance to try it someday.
When can you find caimitos (star apples) in Yucatán?
From February to June.
Helado de nance: Nance or hogberry sorbet and sherbet (Byrsonima crassifolia)
This helado, available both as sorbet and sherbet, perfectly captures the essence of the fruit. It’s sweet, but in my opinion, not overly so. However, it’s definitely a unique flavor, just like the fruit itself. I recommend giving it a small taste before you risk buying a whole scoop.
When can you find helado de nance in Yucatán?
From July to September.
Helado de mamey: Mamey sorbet, sherbet, and ice cream (Pouteria sapota)
Try it, and thank me later. This is one of those flavors that every Yucateco has tasted at least once. You can find it almost year-round, and it stands out for being one of the creamiest and most eye-catching thanks to its reddish color. It’s one of the few options available as both a water-based (sorbet) and milk-based (sherbet and sometimes even ice cream) option.
Helado de guanábana: Soursop sorbet and sherbet (Annona muricata)
While it may not be the most colorful ice cream, soursop is one of the most beloved and exotic flavors. Its creamy texture and unique sweet-and-tangy taste make it a favorite. Most heladerías or frozen treat shops carry it, so you definitely can’t (and shouldn’t) miss it.
Helado de taúch or zapote negro: Black sapote sorbet and sherbet (Diospyros nigra)
Taúch (the Maya name for black sapote) has a unique flavor, slightly earthy with a hint of sweetness; some describe it as chocolatey. I’ll admit it’s not one of my personal favorites, but it has a loyal following. If you enjoy more unusual flavors and want to stray from the traditional ones, this fruit—and the frozen treats made with it—is for you.
Helado de lima: Yucatecan lime sorbet (Citrus x aurantifolia)
You know Mexican limes, but did you know there are also Yucatecan limes? Very different from the limes and lemons you may know from elsewhere, Yucatecan limes are green and have a distinctive “bump,” in addition to its unique taste. Helado de lima has a milder acidity than key lime sorbet but is just as refreshing. It’s delicious and can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Helado de naranja agria: Bitter orange sorbet (Citrus auriantium)
Another refreshing flavor with the perfect combination of sweet and sour. This sorbet, based on one of everyone’s favorite local citrus hybrid, is perfect for cooling off; its light consistency makes it easy to enjoy in large servings if you're a fan of tangy flavors.
A Few Traditional Heladerías You Can Try in Yucatán
Now, making frozen desserts in Yucatán is almost an art form. Most local heladerías follow traditional recipes passed down through generations. From carefully selecting fresh fruits to mastering the churning technique for a creamy texture, every helado is a masterpiece.
If you're excited to try some of these flavors, here are a few Yucatecan heladerías worth visiting:
Helados Santos (Mérida): With over 76 years of history, this family-run ice cream shop was closed for a few years but reopened in 2021, offering many traditional flavors. You’ll also find unique combinations like cucumber with lime and jícama. I fell in love with their lime sorbet—don’t forget to ask for it with chili and chamoy!
- IG: heladossantos
- FB: Helados Santos
Helados Lugo (Mérida): A favorite across generations, this family-owned shop started with its founder selling delicious creations on Paseo de Montejo, in front of Escuela Modelo.
- IG: helados_lugo
- FB: Helados lugo
Helados y algo más - Solar Maya (Maní): Just a few streets away from downtown Maní, you'll find this charming frozen dessert shop offering a wide variety of fruit-based flavors and unique combinations like maax chili with tequila or avocado. They also sell other products made from melipona honey.
Helados Polito (Mérida): Another heladería with a long history—founded over 100 years ago! They offer a wide variety of flavors, so you're sure to find many traditional fruit-based sorbets and sherbets during your visit.
- IG: casapolito
- FB: Casa Polito
Sorbetería Colón (Mérida): This shop is a local icon. Their menu includes most of the flavors mentioned above. As a tip, make time to sit and enjoy your sorbet or sherbet right there in their classic glass cups. Plus, you’ll get to take in the iconic views at any of their locations.
Las Rellenas de la 60 (Mérida): I’m bending the rules a bit here, but trust me—it’s worth it. Las Rellenas offer popsicles in almost every flavor on this list, and they’re all amazing. Some are classic, while others are stuffed, like their dragon fruit or soursop popsicles filled with chamoy. You’ll also find original combinations like habanero lime or pineapple with chaya.
Now you're ready to beat the heat this season with delicious fruit-based frozen treats. Or are you telling me that after exploring an archaeological site or wandering through Mérida’s Centro, you wouldn’t want to cool off with one of these?
What’s more, enjoying a traditional fruit treat isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s also a way to connect with the essence of our Península.
If you’re in town, don’t miss Heladiza Fest this March 30 at Parque de la Mejorada (Calle 50 x 57 y 59). It’s the perfect opportunity to sample a little bit of everything! Open from 10 am to 10 pm.
(Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15aoMh1Kqu/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 447, in March 2025.
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