We All Scream for Paleta

You scream, I scream, we all scream for…. paleta? But wait, just what is paleta? Originating in the town of Tocumbo, Mexico in the 1940s, paleta is a refreshing frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits such as strawberry, mango, pineapple, and banana, and is water or cream-based (with the latter having a consistency similar to Italian gelato) Paleta is Spanish for “ice lolli” or “big lollipop.” It’s served on a stick, like a lollipop or popsicle, but unlike those two traditionally sugary treats, paleta is made with real and natural ingredients, making it a healthier option when you crave something sweet.

If you haven’t tried paleta yet, you’re in luck. Owner of El Frutal, Lizett Melgoza, knows a thing or two about authentic paleta. Many years ago, on a family trip to Mexico, the thought came to her to bring this special treat home to Stockton. She opened up a shop serving paleta 13 years ago, and today it’s still serving an impressive selection, as well as other Mexican goodies.

“We have 40… flavors of paleta,” says Lizett. “We have classics such as strawberry, mango, guava, coconut, and horchata, like you would find in Mexico, and we have newer flavors like Fruity Pebbles, Oreo, and Bubblegum.” El Frutal offers something for everyone and all ages. Enjoy yours simple, or decadently dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with chopped nuts.

El Frutal uses fresh seasonal fruit in their paleta so you know it’s good, and this spring customers can expect to enjoy paleta with mouthwatering strawberries. In summer, the spotlight is on tropical fruits.

When asked what she loved most about her business, Lizett warmly said she never tires of witnessing her customers’ happy faces when they taste her delicious and innovative creations. We can tell you from experience, it’s hard to keep a big grin off your face when experiencing the freshness, sweetness, and rich history in El Frutal’s paleta.

the winemaking lifecycle, start to finish. Sadly, their father passed away when they were teenagers.

“We went on to college and started careers but grew more passionate about grape growing as years passed,” says Jeff. “We also knew that Lodi wasn't receiving the respect it deserved relative to the quality of fruit it could produce. We made it a goal to do our part and really started focusing on improving our vineyards with the goal to eventually produce our own wine longer term.”

The Assyrtiko grape is native to the Greek island Santorini, where vines are often 50-250 years old. John explains, “It is grown on Santorini's volcanic ashrich soil. The vines are grown on their own roots—no rootstock—and often trained in the unique basket style training system called koulouri.”

Jeff notes, “On the vine, the grape is famous for maintaining its acidity even in a hot climate. This makes it perfectly suited for areas with a warm Mediterranean climate like Lodi.”

Assyrtiko wine is globally popular among sommeliers and wine connoisseurs. John says, “We believe it can rival the best white wines grown in the world. The wines are typically crisp with citrusy, salty flavors with a hint of stone fruit and great minerality.”

Sales of Assyrtiko have paled in comparison to Chardonnay, but they are gaining ground. If you’d like to enjoy this unique wine, it is typically only found in fine restaurants and wine shops. Jeff finishes, “There are just a handful of American producers like ourselves who will offer it to our wine club members and customers, so we encourage interested folks to reach out to us.” FIND