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Limbers are a popular frozen dessert originating in Puerto Rico. They are made with tropical fruit purees, sweet creams, or syrups. They are served in the same plastic cups they are frozen in and do not come with a stick. This frozen dessert is a favorite after-school snack, but Puerto Rican adults enjoy them too. To eat them, squeeze the bottom of the cup to push the Limber out.

History of Limber

The origin of Limber dates back to an American pilot and military officer who flew to Puerto Rico. His name was Charles Augustus Lindbergh, the first pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Lindbergh was a big fan of fruit ice cream. On February 4, 1928, his 26th birthday, he arrived in Puerto Rico and was greeted with small cups of frozen juice. The name Limber is derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the pilot's surname. From then on, frozen juices were called "Limbers." [Some historians indicate that he arrived in Puerto Rico on February 2.]

Another Version of the Limber Story

It is said that during his stay in Puerto Rico, Lindbergh was honored with many activities. However, to the warm and effusive Puerto Ricans, the pilot seemed distant, cold, and impersonal. Lindbergh even refused to give away roses at the San Juan Carnival, as was traditional. People then began to say that "Lindbergh was as cold as a Limber." This version of the story suggests that the name "Limber" was in use before the pilot arrived in Puerto Rico.

Traditional Flavors

Traditional Limbers flavors include passion fruit, tamarind, pineapple, and coconut. However, they are available in many other flavors, including cherry, mango, acerola, coconut cream, peanut butter, shortbread, guava, milk, lemon, orange, and sesame.

The key to making Puerto Rican Limber is the correct ratio of juice, water, and sugar. After mixing the ingredients, pour them into small plastic cups and place them in the freezer on a flat surface until solidified. Once frozen, place them in a plastic bag to preserve their freshness. The cups should be 5 to 8 ounces.

In the United States, Limbers are popular in the summer in areas with large Puerto Rican populations, such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Limber Festival

The Festival has been held in Ceiba since 2009. This tradition is the result of the unpleasant remarks of a government official. In other words, the Festival not only celebrates this frozen dessert, but also represents a "demand for equality and a cry for dignity."

The first year of the Festival, limbers were given away as a sign of protest. That year's event took place in front of gate number three of the Ceiba military base. Over the years, it has grown into an event that brings together various community organizations. Attendees also enjoy the work of more than 30 artisans and live music. More than 6,000 limbers are made each year.

Here I share a video of Cream Limbers made by 'Grandma's New Thing'.

Photo: The Sofrito Project

Carmen M. Pérez Velázquez