I Scream, You Scream…For Ice Cream!
Most people don’t have to worry about keeping ice cream fresh—it never lasts long enough to spoil! Ice cream is America’s favorite frozen food, and the numbers show it:
Every year, we buy about 1.5 billion gallons of the frosty stuff.
The top five individual flavors are: vanilla (26%), chocolate (12.9%), Neapolitan (4.8%), strawberry (4.3%) and cookies n' cream(4.0%).
The International Ice Cream Association (it really does exist!) offers some important suggestions on the proper handling and storage of ice cream and frozen desserts.
At home:
- Don’t allow ice cream to repeatedly soften and refreeze. When ice cream's small ice crystals melt and refreeze, they can turn into large, inedible lumps.
- Ice cream is best when stored between -5 and 0° F.; it will be firm enough to hold its shape, but easy to dip between 6 and10° F, the ideal serving temperature range. Store ice cream in the main part of the freezer, not in the door where it is subject to more fluctuating temperatures.
- Don't store ice cream with other foods in the freezer that are uncovered; odors may penetrate ice cream and affect its flavor.
In the store:
- Make the ice cream aisle your last stop in the supermarket.
- In an open top freezer case, always select ice cream and frozen dessert treats stored below the freezer line.
- Put ice cream products in the separate basket of your grocery cart, or on top of other groceries. Insulate ice cream products for the ride home. When your groceries are packed, request a freezer bag or additional brown paper bag to insulate your ice cream.
By following these simple suggestions, you can help ensure that your ice cream and other frozen dessert treats will stay the way they left the manufacturer-attractive and delicious!
Published 06/08/07
