Papaya-Tangerine Ice Pops

Tangerine segments add tang to this sunset-hued ice pop. Create your own customized ice pop recipe with the Recipe Maker.

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 4 3-inch strips lime zest (peel with a vegetable peeler and remove any white pith)
• 1 small papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
• 1 cup tangerine segments, cut free of their membranes and halved

Combine the sugar, salt, and 1/2  cup water in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and make sure the sugar has dissolved; add the lime zest. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Strain through a fine strainer into a 1-quart liquid measuring cup, and discard the solids in the strainer.

Puree the papaya in batches in a blender. Measure out 2 cups of puree (save any extra for another use) and combine it with the syrup.

Distribute the tangerine segments  among ten 1/3-cup pop molds. Add the fruit mixture to each mold, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top to allow for expansion. Stir gently with a Popsicle stick to distribute the tangerine segments. Freeze until partially frozen, about 1 hour. Insert sticks and freeze again until the pops are fully set, 4 to 6 hours more.

To unmold, dip the mold in a deep pan of hot water until the pops pull out easily, 30 to 40 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Unmold and store the pops in individual resealable plastic bags; they’re best eaten within 3 weeks.