paleta

noun

pa·​le·​ta pə-ˈlā-tə 

plural paletas

: a Mexican ice pop typically made with chunks of fresh fruit and fruit puree blended with sugar and water or sometimes cream

Though the exact origin story of this tasty treat is unknown, paletas are a popular snack-slash-dessert in Mexico as well as in the United States. They're typically made with fresh fruit like watermelon, pineapple, mango, and strawberries, but their base can vary depending on the region or time of year.

—Maki Yazawa

Summer is the taste of barbecues and the smell of newly mown mint and the ringing of paleta carts in the road.

—Jane Gargas

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Mexican Spanish, from Spanish, "spatula, paddle," diminutive of pala "spade," going back to Latin pāla — more at palette

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above