Ice cream is not an ideal food. And in terms of temperature, there is not much difference between artisanal and industrial. Here is what you need to know about ice cream and smoothies.
One of the pleasures of summer, ice cream is the king of seasonal desserts, whether it is a dessert, a snack or a meal replacement. But do we know what we are eating when we choose a cup of ice cream, a cup of drink or a package?
How is ice cream made: white base vs. water-based
Water, sugar, milk… so what? What is ice cream? How many ingredients are there? Do you need a thickener? If we want to know what we are eating, we must start from the base of the ice cream. There are two types; one is white, the other is “water”. First comes milk, sugar, milk powder, sugar, protein powder or tomato paste, and finally sugar. The second can be glucose, dextrose or sucrose. The white base is the beginning of the preparation of the cream, and different spices are added according to taste. Both handmade and industrial ice creams start from this foundation and differ in quality and choice of natural ingredients. Sugar is not used in ice cream making.
Water-based ones are used in fruit flavors, lactose-free creams and dark chocolates (non-dairy). Only protein powder (or paste) and sugar should be used.
Industrial ice cream
What do you add after learning the basics? “Most gelato companies add ingredients that give the ice cream a special texture, as well as ingredients that increase creaminess or spreadability, but they always use natural products.” Instead of protein, other natural fibers are used, butter instead of hydrogenated oil.
The final mixture of artisanal ice cream is the result of careful study that leads to the selection of each ingredient: for example, traditional ice cream makers like my mother use only one type of sugar, the classic cane sugar. Over time, other types of sugar are added: glucose to reduce calories and also stevia, but it should be noted that the latter is to maintain freshness and not to form ice.
Ice cream is not a substitute for lunch
Finally, the age-old question: is ice a dessert to be enjoyed after a meal, or can it replace it? “A dessert should not be considered a meal replacement because it is not equivalent to a meal replacement in terms of nutritional value or calories. This can be done sometimes, but from a nutritional point of view it will be remembered that ice cream is rich in sugar, but they are lower in protein, vitamins, fiber and fat, especially if you choose the fruit tree flavors.
