We all scream for ice cream, as the saying goes, but just what is it about this cool creamy treat that keeps us craving it? We know it’s oh-so-tasty to eat, but have you ever thought– Why?
Well, despite the fact that Ice cream is completely scrumptious, there are a few technical reasons why it’s so tastefully appealing.
First the specifics… by USDA Standards, any food labeled ice cream must contain at least 20% milk solids, and at least 10% milk fat. Milk and cream are used to make ice cream, so the milk is ripe with protein and the cream supplies the necessary fat to help emulsify the milk and give it added smoothness and stability.
While Ice cream is the nations favorite frozen confection, accounting for 87 percent of all sales, custard and gelato are also topping the list of people’s favorite cool concoctions!
The main difference between ice cream and frozen custard is the addition of eggs to the custard mix. Lecithin in egg yolks is a natural emulsifier, imparting a richer, creamier texture. Another difference is that the process for making ice cream churns more air into it to make it have a light mouth-feel, frozen custard is produced in a machine that barely incorporates air into it, which means it’s way more dense.
Gelato on the other hand is made only with milk. Having little or no cream reduces fat while intensifying flavors. Gelato’s creaminess comes from the fact that it’s churned with relatively little air added, so it has a denser mouth-feel and melts at a lower temperature.
And while all of these creamy cool treats are completely satisfying for most people, there’s always that certain someone who wants to defy the norm and get their frozen goodies in an entirely different way. Enter the ice cream truck—filled with novelties like Bomb Pops, Choco Tacos, Fudgsicles, Good Humor bars, Drumsticks and ice cream sandwiches!
Whether you’re making a mad dash to the ice cream truck, or stopping at your local ice cream parlor, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cool cravings!
Amy Wallace is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Watch Discover Wisconsin on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Fox Sports Wisconsin.
