Yes, it is possible to make edible, clean, food-grade icicles in the freezer. Here's a simple method to create them:
Cleanliness: Ensure that your freezer is clean and free from any contaminants. Clean the freezer thoroughly before proceeding.
Water Source: Use clean, potable water as the source for your icicles. Tap water is generally safe, but if you have concerns about the water quality, you can use filtered or bottled water.
Containers: Select food-grade containers or molds to shape your icicles. Silicone molds or ice pop molds work well for this purpose. Make sure they are clean and suitable for freezing.
Fill the Containers: Fill the containers or molds with the water, leaving some space at the top for expansion. If you want clear icicles, boil the water first and let it cool before pouring into the molds. Boiling the water helps remove air bubbles, resulting in clearer ice. For colored icicles, you can add food coloring to the water before pouring it into the molds.
Freezing: Place the filled containers in the freezer and allow them to freeze completely. The freezing time can vary depending on the size of the icicles and the temperature of your freezer. It typically takes several hours or overnight to freeze completely.
Removal: Once the icicles are completely frozen, remove them from the molds. For silicone molds, gently flex or twist them to release the icicles. For ice pop molds, you can run warm water over the mold briefly to help loosen the icicles.
It's important to note that while these icicles are edible, they are essentially frozen water and may not have a distinct flavor. You can enhance their taste by adding fruit juices or other flavored liquids to the water before freezing. Additionally, ensure that the freezer temperature is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below to maintain the quality and safety of the icicles.