Tasting is not just wine: here are some tips to find the best ice cream.
Appearance: the color of the ice cream must be close to that of its base ingredient. If it’s too pale it might be old; if the color is to vivid it might have had colorings added to it. Attention must be paid to the ice crystals: if present, they indicate that it has been preserved poorly.
Aroma: the fact that ice cream is frozen means that we cannot perceive its aroma.
Consistency: if the ice cream maker uses too much force when packing the ice cream, this will show it is too dense. It might be too cold (the optimum temperature is around -13°C), or it might contain an insufficient quantity of air. On the other hand, neither should it be too soft or light.
Taste: as the ice cream melts in the mouth, its flavor should become apparent. There must be a perfect balance between sweetness, flavor, acidity and fat content. If the ice cream is of high quality, its taste will be persistent and will linger in the mouth for 20 to 30 seconds after it is swallowed.
Anthony Bourdain's new book 'World Travel: An Irreverant Guide' is an invitation to dream of travel once more, while looking back at a different time. Take a look.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants has published 50 Next 2021 a list of young people shaping the future of food and gastronomy created in partnership with the Basque Culinary Center.
Head farmer, Katina Connaughton, describes a day in her life spent between the farm, restaurant, home and with her chef husband, in the heart of wine country. Take a look.
National Tea Day, on 21 April, is the perfect occasion to celebrate one of the most famous English drinks. Discover our guide on how to brew green tea.