A refreshing paleta, Spanish for popsicle, is the perfect treat to make the North Texas summer heat a bit more bearable. Here are three (of many) paleterias around town worth a visit.
Alma’s Paleteria
Alma’s Paleteria has a large selection of cream-based and water-based paletas to choose from. Some of the creamy paleta flavors include horchata, cafe cappuccino and vanilla con cajeta -- a Mexican confection of thickened syrup usually made of sweetened caramelized milk.
Pepino con chile (cucumber with chili powder), melon (cantaloupe) and guava are a few of the water-based paletas you can choose from. These are great options for vegans or the lactose intolerant.
Another popular menu item is esquimal -- a walnut, coconut or strawberry paleta covered in chocolate and sprinkled with shredded coconut.
Helados la Azteca
Less than 20 minutes from the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is Helados la Azteca. One thing that makes this paleteria stand out from most is that aside from selling paletas they also sell homemade ice cream. The paletas are made from fresh fruit so the cold treat is slightly less sweet than others. Some flavors you can expect at this paleteria are mango-chamoy, tamarind, strawberry, coconut and chile.
Additional refreshment options include: aguas frescas, mangonadas and Mexican-imported chips and candy.
Helados El Sol
This paleteria makes their own natural-flavored paletas and ice cream with chunks of real fruit. Try the water-based piña with chile or mango with chile paletas. Strawberry lovers will delight at the slices of fruit found throughout the fresas con crema (strawberry and cream) popsicle.
If you’re looking for water-based paletas, but can’t handle the spice from chile, other flavors like watermelon, lemon or cantaloupe are good alternatives.
A final quick tip: Don’t forget to carry cash in case any of the paleterias have a credit/ debit card minimum.
