Ice cream is a favorite with all of us, but, any idea how ice cream is made commercially? If you learn how ice cream is made in the factories, you will find the procedure is as interesting as the whole concept of ice cream. Ice cream contains the same amount of protein as is there in milk but contains three times the fat in milk. But, ice cream is not just about fats and proteins. One serving of ice cream gives vitamins and calcium; though the proportion of these nutrients is only 1/3rd of what is present in an equal amount of milk.

Key ingredients needed in making ice cream

Commercially, ice cream is made from non-fatty milk solids, butter fat, flavoring agents, and sugar stabilizers. The non-fatty milk solids in the ice cream contribute to its smooth texture, adding body to it. Butter fat on the other hand, makes the ice cream creamy. The flavoring agents like chopped fruits and nuts add more taste to the ice creams. The flavoring agents also comprise of various types of aromatic liquids like vanilla or strawberry essence which add good smell to the ice cream. Sugar and other flavoring substances add sweetness and distinct taste.  The stabilizers like gum or gelatin are used in making ice cream to give it a smooth texture. This prevents the formation of ice crystals during the time of freezing the ice cream.

Procedure of making ice cream

In the factories, all the ingredients are first mixed well and then pasteurized at 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This is done for half an hour. After that, the ice cream mixture is thoroughly blended and taken for cooling in the freezer. Now, once the ice cream enters the freezer, the whipping machine is turned on which whips the mixture and allows it to fill with air. This air in the mixture is known as swell or overrun. This step contributes extra lightness and smoothness to the ice cream. In this stage, the ice cream is still in a semi liquid form. This mixture is them removed from the freezer and put in packages. These packages in turn are refrigerated at -25° F. This hardens the ice cream and completes the procedure. Thus, you can see that ice cream making is quite an interesting process. You can make ice cream at home too but the process will be slightly different.

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