Paletas - Mexican ice pops - include such flavors as mango con chile, cantaloupe, corn, chamoy, strawberry and rice. The handmade ice pops are based on flavors traditionally found in Mexico and can be water- or cream-based. The paletería business in L.A. is expanding, reaching Latinos and non-Latinos alike. (Carlos Chavez/LAT)
Melanie Agustin, 6, enjoys a strawberry and cream paleta at Paletería La Michoacana in downtown L.A. (Stefano Paltera/For The Times)
Jorge Barragán, front, owner of Paletería La Michoacana, learned to make paletas from his father and mother, Agustin and Maria Elena Barragán. (Stefano Paltera/For The Times)
Colorful paletas line a freezer at Delicias de México in Garden Grove. The owner says that on a hot day, he makes 500 to 1,000 of the ice pops. (Irfan Khan / LAT)
Chocolate paletas at Paletería La Michoacana are almost ready for customers. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
A piece of guava is suspended in a paleta. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
Cream-based nuez (nut) paleta - with pecans - is one of the most popular flavors at Paletería La Michoacana. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
