Frosty facts
Most ice cream is made from March through July.
The Great Lakes region, which includes Wisconsin, is the most successful market for ice cream.
A majority of U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert makers are family owned and began business at least 50 years ago.
Pecans are the most popular nut in ice cream, and strawberry is the most popular fruit.
Our favorite flavor is vanilla. Then chocolate.
The 2019 Innovative Ice Cream Flavor Contest winner was Kemps, for Scotcheroo ice cream. Runner up was BaskinRobbins, for Bourbon Street Pecan Pie.
Ice cream – made with milk, cream and sweetener.
Frozen custard – contains egg yolks too.
Gelato – made with milk, cream and sweetener. Less fat than ice cream.
Sherbet – made with fruit purée or juice, sweetener and a little milk (or buttermilk.
Sorbet – made with fruit purée or juice and sweetener. Not as creamy as sherbet. cream desserts in individual portions. Bases include miniature waffle bowls and chocolate shells.
“One thing we have learned is that ice cream is essential,” says Baerwolf, who is optimistic about Sassy Cow's summer. “People seem to be looking for a little more out-of-the-way, less busy place to go to this summer.”
Tour times at Sassy Cow have been modified — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays
❚ More natural ingredients.
❚ Better-for-you ingredients.
❚ Plant-based, dairy-free, low-calorie or keto alternatives to ice cream.
❚ The demand for plant-based frozen desserts will drive market growth.
— Sources: FoodBusinessNews.net, Mordor Intelligence
through Saturdays — to accommodate more and smaller groups.
A couple of ice cream makers say they wish people would be kinder to each other. Employees experience verbal abuse. Customers who do and don't arrive wearing face masks have heated exchanges, and social distancing can erupt into another sore point.
Palate pleasers
The UW's Rankin challenges ice cream lovers to deepen their appreciation for the product. The study can get as complicated as wine tasting.
“Try something different — or maybe even stick with vanilla, but try different kinds,” he says. “We could spend three days (studying) vanilla ice cream” because vanilla extract comes from several countries, and each has its own nuances.
“It's a little like art — gain an appreciation for it,” he advises. “Some people think art is Elvis on black velvet. Others think it's Monet.”
Nothing wrong with either — just be aware that differences exist.