He frozen has gone from being a seasonal dessert to being consumed year-round, but the summer season It is always the one that is most requested. It is during these months that in businesses that are not strictly ice cream parlors, we can find small temporary ice cream stands.
However, not all ice cream is created equal and the growing popularity of these products has led to the proliferation of establishments boasting of offering “artisanal” or “homemade” ice creams, but they do not always meet quality expectations that the term should require. But how can we distinguish a real artisanal ice cream from an industrial one? The experts at the Vhola ice cream parlor, located in Ávila, offer us some keys to identify them.
Ingredients, the basis of quality
The quality of an ice cream starts with its ingredients. The truly artisanal ice creams They are distinguished by the use of natural and fresh raw materials, such as milk, cream, fresh fruit and natural sugars. These ingredients not only provide a more authentic flavor, but also allow the ice creams to be more nutritious.
On the contrary, the industrial ice cream They often contain various additives, such as preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, designed to improve the texture, flavor and extend the shelf life of the product. In addition, it is common to use vegetable fats instead of cream, which affects both the flavor and nutritional quality of the ice cream.
Texture, the key is in the air
Texture is another indicator that can give us a clue to differentiate an artisanal ice cream from an industrial ice cream. Artisanal ice creams are characterized by a creamier and smoother texturedue to the lesser incorporation of air during the production process. This slower and more careful preparation method allows the natural ingredients to blend homogeneously, resulting in a high-quality final product.
On the other hand, industrial ice creams generally have a spongy and airy texture, due to the incorporation of a greater amount of air during production. This process, known as “invaded“, is used to increase the volume of ice, thus reducing production costs, even if the quality of the product decreases.
Color, one of the definitive clues
The color of an ice cream can be a clear indicator of its origin. The artisanal ice creams present more muted and natural colorswho are the ones who provide the fresh ingredients used in its preparation. For example, an artisanal strawberry ice cream will have a slightly pinkish tint, the result of the presence of real fruit.
On the other hand, industrial ice creams generally have more intense and uniform colorsobtained from artificial dyes. These colors, more visually appealing, are more appealing to the consumer, but they almost never reflect the quality or authenticity of the ingredients used. A pistachio ice cream, for example, may have a bright green color in its industrial version, while in its artisanal form it will probably have a much more subtle and natural tone.
Taste, the irrefutable proof
Flavor is undoubtedly the most important aspect when enjoying ice cream. Artisanal ice creams stand out for their range a more authentic and intense flavorthanks to the use of fresh and high quality ingredients.
On the other hand, industrial ice creams can have less intense or even artificial flavors, as they often rely on flavors and extracts to reproduce the taste of natural ingredients. Although many are very tasty thanks to the use of additives that enhance the flavorsThey lack the depth and authenticity that characterizes truly artisanal ice cream.
Price, only when it’s right
Homemade ice creams are more expensive to produce due to the use of high quality ingredients and a slower, more meticulous manufacturing process. This additional cost, however, translates into a higher quality final product, both in terms of flavor and texture.
On the other hand, industrial ice creams are generally less expensive, because they are produced in large quantities and with cheaper ingredients. This makes it possible to offer an accessible product at a lower price, but often at the expense of quality. The problem This comes as industrial ice creams are being offered as artisanal at prices well above their real value.
Tips from a master ice cream maker
@vholaicecream Reply to @DaNieL aKib 🫧🛟 🍧 Here are some of our tips to differentiate between an ice cream shop offering artisanal ice cream and an industrial one 😎 • • • #ice cream #artisanal #industrial #atuvhola #colorants #shapes #mountains ♬ original sound – Vhola!
In a video of Tik TokLola Jiménez, master ice cream maker and owner of the Whola ice cream shop in Ávila, shared what she believes are the three key clues which tells us that a so-called artisanal ice cream is, in reality, an industrial version.
The Ice Mountains
One of the first signs that an ice cream is not truly artisanal is the way it is presented in the window. The master ice cream maker explains that the voluminous mountains of ice cream that are usually seen in some ice cream parlors are the product of industrial machinery. Although these shapes may seem attractive, the reality is that the aesthetics of artisanal ice creams are much simpler and flatter, reflecting a more traditional and careful production process.
The vibrant colors
Another fundamental aspect to take into account is the color of the ice. Although some fruits and ingredients, such as berries, may have naturally intense colors, in general, artisanal ice creams have paler and softer tones than their industrial versions. This is due to the use of fresh and natural ingredients, without additives or artificial colors.
Lola warns that too bright and striking colors They are usually a clear indication of the presence of colorants in industrial ice creams. Artisanal ice creams, on the other hand, are characterized by a more discreet appearance, which reflects the purity of their ingredients.
Perfection in forms
THE shape and consistency ice cream can also be revealing. According to this ice cream maker from Avila, industrial ice creams generally have regular shapes, while artisanal ice creams, being made by hand, have small irregularities and imperfections. This is a sign of authenticity.
In conclusionDistinguishing between artisanal and industrial ice creams may seem more complicated than it actually is, because by paying attention to details such as presentation, color and shape, it is possible to make a more informed choice. Artisanal ice creams, with their natural ingredients, subtle colors and imperfect shapes, offer a taste and quality experience that goes beyond appearance.
