Some people are freezing mandarins and clementines to enjoy them later as a kind of “ice cream.”

In one of the many viral videos that can be making a Scroll Fast in social networks, a young woman passes a frozen cucumber over her face with the solemnity of someone applying a luxury mask. It seems absurd, but the clip has accumulated thousands of “likes.” It’s not an isolated incident; on social networks, frozen foods have become homemade cosmetics, visual snacks, and even summer rituals.

    <p>This year, a new trend is making waves:  freezing fruits , especially  clementines . The goal is not to preserve them for later but to enjoy them in their most refreshing and surprising form.</p>

    <h2>A Citrus Explosion</h2>
    <p>The phenomenon, dubbed the <em>"Frozen Clementine Hack,"</em> <a rel="nofollow" rel="noopener, noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKSmhYQTbho/?igsh=NXd6ejNoYjhnbHQx">gained popularity after a video</a> created by Hannah Rose, which has already surpassed ten million views on Instagram. The technique is simple: freeze clementines, run them under hot water for a few seconds, and then cut them in half. The result is small frozen segments that easily detach from the skin, ready to eat like natural jelly.</p>

    <h2>Sensory Experience</h2>
    <p>As detailed in a report by <a rel="nofollow" rel="noopener, noreferrer" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/frozen-clementine-hack-11773354">Food & Wine</a>, the allure of frozen clementines goes beyond their  flavor . The  crunchy texture , the sound when bitten into, and the star pattern that appears when slicing the fruit create a complete  sensory experience , perfect for sharing on social media.</p>

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                    <img alt="Frozen fruits are taking over the summer snack scene" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/c31442/sandias/375_142.jpeg"/>
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    <h2>Understanding the Trend</h2>
    <p>Is it just a  photo opportunity ? Beyond the visual impact, there’s a scientific rationale behind this viral gesture. Freezing fruits is not a new concept, but some varieties are better suited for the process than others. For instance, clementines contain less free water than other fruits, reducing the risk of large ice crystals that could compromise their structure.</p>

    <h2>Food Structure and Freezing</h2>
    <p>As my colleague explained, "The more water a food contains, the more its structure is  altered by freezing ." Consequently, defrosted lettuce becomes soft and watery, while smaller and firmer fruits like mandarins or starchy vegetables like peas handle the process much better.</p>

    <h2>Health Benefits</h2>
    <p>So, is it healthy? In theory, freezing clementines is perfectly safe and beneficial, as long as certain precautions are observed. Ideally, they should be consumed frozen or taken straight from the freezer, avoiding extended periods at room temperature.</p>

    <p>Nutritionally speaking, most important compounds— fiber ,  minerals ,  proteins , and  fat-soluble vitamins —remain stable in the freezer. However, some water-soluble vitamins like  Vitamin C  may diminish during the defrosting process. In simpler terms: it’s not a miraculous method of consuming fruits, but it doesn’t come with significant downsides. If it encourages more individuals to eat fruits during summer, perhaps it has served its purpose.</p>

    <h2>Expanding the Horizon</h2>
    <p>As pointed out by <a rel="nofollow" rel="noopener, noreferrer" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/frozen-clementine-hack-11773354">Food & Wine</a>, frozen grapes have been a popular snack for quite some time in summer. Additionally, frozen mangoes are ideal for creamy milkshakes or ice creams. Watermelon, although not recommended for thawing for raw consumption, can be a delicious treat when crushed and enjoyed like a slushie.</p>

    <h2>The New Summer Sensation</h2>
    <p>What began as a curiosity on TikTok has transformed into a summer staple with some  scientific backing . Beyond fancy filters and sound effects, freezing fruits—especially those that adapt well to it—offers a  fun and accessible  way to maintain healthy habits, even during the hottest days.</p>

    <p>Image | Instagram and <a rel="nofollow" rel="noopener, noreferrer" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/an-open-refrigerator-with-food-inside-of-it-ohynLBdsU9Y?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>

    <p>Xataka | Solving the big question that always arises when we freeze food: whether it loses nutrients or not.</p>
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