Vanilla Beans: The Most Beloved Ice Cream Ingredient

Whether celebrating a milestone, drowning sorrows, or just indulging in a summer-day craving, the love of ice cream unites us all. It’s the sweet remedy for life’s woes and the champion of dessert debates—truly the one thing we can all agree on. 

But here’s the thing, if you appreciate ice cream to any degree, there are stars of the show that rarely get a tip of the hat: vanilla beans. The simple fact of the matter is, without these flavorful pods of goodness, the ice cream we all know and love wouldn’t be quite the same. Take a closer look at vanilla beans, where they come from, and just how popular vanilla ice cream really is below. 

Vanilla Beans: A Closer Look 

Vanilla beans, prized for their rich flavor and aromatic qualities, originate from tropical regions such as Madagascar, Tahiti, and Mexico. The cultivation process involves hand-pollination of the orchid’s flowers and nurturing the green pods that eventually mature into vanilla beans. 

Harvesting typically occurs when the beans reach peak ripeness, which is signaled by their plumpness and yellow hue. Once harvested, the beans undergo a curing process that enhances their flavor profile even further.

With a history dating back centuries, vanilla beans have long been coveted for their exotic allure and culinary versatility. Today, vanilla remains a cornerstone ingredient in countless recipes, cherished for its ability to enhance desserts or even add an intriguing layer of flavor to savory dishes. However, there is no question where the bulk of today’s harvested vanilla is used—in our favorite frozen dessert, of course! 

Vanilla and Ice Cream: A Heavenly Made Match 

When it comes to frozen dessert ingredient combinations, few duos evoke as much adoration as vanilla and ice cream, and statistics prove this to be true. Vanilla makes up almost a third of all ice cream flavor purchases every year in the U.S. Therefore, while vanilla may be the most traditional ice cream flavor, it is also a match that has stood the test of time to remain a favorite among the masses, even beating out other classics like chocolate and strawberry. 

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is all creamy goodness punctuated by that telltale vanilla flavor. But what makes vanilla and ice cream such a desirable pair? Perhaps it’s the way their flavors intertwine so harmoniously, or, maybe it is that the traditional flavor is pleasing to our senses because it is so familiar. Another reason vanilla ice cream is a favorite is it is the perfect base for adding other layers of flavor for an even more flavorful treat. 

Try In-House Vanilla Bean Soft Serve at Turn Dough 

The verdict is in: the best ice cream starts with vanilla beans, which is why our in-house-made ice cream starts with only the finest vanilla beans. Try one of our freshly baked chimney cakes mounded with sweet vanilla ice cream for a classic treat, or dress it up by opting for one of our 18 signature flavors. Either way, you’re in for a true treat!  

Gelato vs Ice Cream: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to frozen treats, gelato and ice cream are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. We obviously prefer soft-serve gelato at Turn Dough, and a lot of our customers will eagerly tell you how much of a difference there is between the two popular frozen desserts! However, to clear up any confusion between gelato and ice cream, let’s take a closer look at these two delightful desserts to understand their unique characteristics, histories, and flavors.

Gelato: A Closer Look 

Some people refer to gelato as the more decadent relative of ice cream. Most people know gelato has European roots, Italian to be precise, and anyone who has ever had a scoop will tell you that this indulgent dessert is far more velvety and smooth, sometimes with an even more profoundly creamy flavor. Let’s take a look at gelato’s origins. 

History 

Gelato’s history dates back to ancient civilizations, but it became popularized in Italy during the Renaissance. Its rich heritage and artisanal craftsmanship contribute to its esteemed reputation as a luxurious dessert.

How It’s Made 

Gelato is made with a higher proportion of milk to cream compared to ice cream, resulting in a denser texture and more intense flavor. It’s churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air and yielding a smoother, creamier consistency. Soft-serve gelato is a twist on traditional gelato with a lighter and airier texture, a softer consistency, and a unique velvety mouthfeel.

Popular Flavors

Classic gelato flavors include pistachio, stracciatella, and hazelnut, but modern variations like salted caramel and passionfruit have gained popularity for their bold and innovative taste profiles. While gelato flavors can be more artisanal than ice cream, the traditional vanilla and chocolate flavors are still just as popular. 

Ice Cream: A Closer Look 

Ice cream has a reputation for being a favorite American dessert, but this frozen treat actually had meager beginnings in China. From its humble beginnings to the myriad of flavors and variations available today, ice cream continues to captivate taste buds and bring joy to people of all ages. 

History 

Ice cream has a long and storied history, originating in ancient China before spreading to Europe and eventually America. Its evolution over the centuries has led to the diverse range of flavors and variations enjoyed today.

How It’s Made 

Traditional ice cream is made with a higher fat content and is churned at a faster speed, resulting in a light and airy texture. It typically contains more cream than milk and is frozen at a lower temperature. Ice cream can also be whipped with even more air to create “soft-serve” ice cream. 

Popular Flavors 

From classic favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to indulgent varieties such as cookies and cream and rocky road, ice cream offers a wide array of flavors to suit every palate.

Turn Dough: Signature Chimney Cakes + Soft Serve Gelato = Pure Bliss 

Which do you prefer: ice cream or gelato? At Turn Dough, we’re bringing ice cream lovers to our side one freshly baked chimney cake filled with soft-serve gelato at a time! Swing by either of our ice cream shops in Venice Beach or Hollywood Blvd to discover why nothing compares to our signature vanilla bean gelato infused with a mouthwatering collection of ingredients!  

A Sweet Tour: Exploring Global Ice Cream Culture and Preferences

Ah, the universal language of ice cream! Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or adventurous enough to try out exotic flavors like durian or black sesame, there’s no denying the joy that a scoop (or two, or three) of ice cream brings. But have you ever wondered how different cultures around the world enjoy their frozen treats? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a delicious journey exploring global ice cream culture and preferences around the planet.

Italy – The Birthplace of Gelato 

Let’s start our sweet tour in Italy, the birthplace of gelato. Italians take their gelato seriously, and with good reason – it’s creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. From classic flavors like stracciatella and pistachio to more inventive creations like tiramisu and ricotta with figs, gelato shops in Italy are a paradise for ice cream lovers.

Japan – “Soft Cream” for the Win 

Next stop, Japan! Japanese soft serve ice cream, or “soft cream” as it’s known locally, is a delightful experience in itself. It’s lighter and airier than traditional ice cream, with flavors ranging from matcha and black sesame to sweet potato and even wasabi! Plus, it’s often served with unique toppings like mochi balls or edible gold leaf – talk about fancy!

Thailand – The Captivating Delight of Rolled Ice Cream 

Heading over to Thailand, we encounter the wonder that is Thai rolled ice cream. Watching street vendors skillfully spread out liquid ice cream on a cold plate and then roll it up into delicate curls is a mesmerizing sight. And the flavors? From mango sticky rice to Thai milk tea, these icy delights capture the essence of Thai cuisine in every bite.

Mexico – A Love Affair with Paletas 

Let’s not forget about Mexico and its love affair with paletas. These fruity popsicles come in an array of vibrant colors and flavors, made from fresh fruits like mango, watermelon, and pineapple. Some even have chunks of real fruit frozen right into them for an extra burst of flavor.

India – Rich and Creamy Kulfi Oozes Sweet Decadence 

How could we forget about India and its decadent kulfi? This traditional Indian frozen dessert is made by simmering sweetened milk with flavors like cardamom, saffron, and pistachio until it’s thick and creamy, then freezing it in molds. The result is a decadent treat that’s both creamy and rich, with flavors that are truly out of this world.

Australia – Home of the Golden Ice Cream Sandwich 

In Australia, you’ll find a unique twist on the classic ice cream sandwich – the Golden Gaytime. This iconic Aussie dessert features creamy vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate and honeycomb crumbs, all sandwiched between two layers of crunchy biscuit. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious.

Celebrate a Globally Adored Frozen Treat with a Visit to Turn Dough!

Now that our sweet tour around the world has come to an end, there’s only one thing left to do – indulge in ice cream, of course! If you happen to find yourself in Venice Beach or Hollywood Boulevard, be sure to swing by Turn Dough for a truly unique ice cream experience. We serve in-house vanilla bean gelato soft serve in fresh-out-of-the-oven chimney cake cones. You’ll find mouthwatering picks on our menu like Minnie Macaroons, Coconut Raffaello, Biscotti Cookie Butter, Nutella Dream, and more! 

10 Fascinating Facts About Ice Cream You Probably Didn’t Know

Ice cream isn’t just a delightful treat—it’s a journey through history. From Thomas Jefferson’s passion for crafting the perfect frozen dessert to ice cream pouches travelling to the Moon, its is as rich and diverse as its flavors. Here are some fascinating facts about ice cream that will amaze you!

Ice Cream Cone Invention

The ice cream cone was invented at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, by a Syrian immigrant named Ernest Hamwi. He rolled up waffles to help out an ice cream vendor who had run out of dishes.

Ice Cream’s Ancient Roots

While modern ice cream as we know it didn’t exist, ancient civilizations like the Persians, Greeks, and Romans enjoyed chilled desserts made from snow, honey, and fruit juices.

Ice Cream for the Masses

Before modern refrigeration, ice cream was a luxury enjoyed mainly by the wealthy. However, the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream freezer in the 19th century made it more accessible to the masses.

Presidential Affection

Abraham Lincoln was said to have loved ice cream, and it was rumored that he once spent $800 on ice cream during the summer of 1863.

Guinness World Record

The largest ice cream cone ever made was created in Italy in 2012. It stood over 10 feet tall and contained over 7,000 pounds of ice cream.

Popular Flavors

While vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry remain classic favorites, some of the most popular modern ice cream flavors include cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and cookie dough.

Ice Cream on the Moon

Astronauts on the Apollo 7 mission enjoyed freeze-dried ice cream during their journey to the moon in 1969. While it’s not exactly the same as the creamy treat we enjoy on Earth, it’s considered a unique and memorable experience in space exploration.

Ice Cream Consumption

The United States is the world’s largest consumer of ice cream, with Americans enjoying an average of 23 pounds of ice cream per person each year.

Ice Cream Innovations

In recent years, there has been a surge in unique ice cream flavors and innovations, including vegan ice cream made from coconut milk or almond milk, and liquid nitrogen ice cream made to order.

Ice Cream Records

The record for the most ice cream scoops balanced on a cone is 125 scoops, achieved by Dimitri Panciera in Italy in 2018.

Ice Cream Picks for Every Sign

Ah, the cosmic dance between horoscopes and ice cream preferences! While it might seem whimsical, some astrologers muse over the potential influence of zodiac signs on our frozen dessert whims. For instance, fiery signs like Aries and Leo might sway toward bold, spicy flavors, whereas Cancer and Pisces, the water bearers, lean into dreamy, creamy textures. Taurus and Virgo, the earthy dwellers, find comfort in classic flavors, while Gemini and Aquarius, the air signs, explore inventive, light options. It sparks intrigue, pondering how the celestial skies might nudge our preferences, and so, armed with curiosity, we embarked on a cosmic odyssey at our own ice cream shop. As the stars align with our frosty creations, we invite your celestial wisdom to guide us—did we capture the cosmic essence of your zodiac’s frozen delight?

Aries

For our audacious Aries, known for their bold spirit, we’ve crafted a treat that mirrors their dynamism. In the realm of sumptuous flavors, we present peanut butter—the perfect counterpart to Aries’ daring personality. And because spontaneity is their forte, we’ve sprinkled in the delightful crunch of chopped Reese’s, a surprise element that echoes the zest of their adventurous nature.

Taurus

A Taurus appreciates the finer things in life, just like this luxurious dessert. The smooth cookie butter, paired with the rich Italian gelato, resonates with Taurus’ refined taste. The charming chocolate chip cookie topping perfectly complements their desire for comfort and luxury.

Gemini

In the world of ever-shifting tastes, the Ferrero Rocher ice cream stands as a beacon for the versatile and dual nature of a Gemini. This frozen delight, a symphony of flavors and textures, melds the nutty essence of Ferrero Rocher with the playful crunch of Graham crackers. It’s a cosmic dance, matching the duality and versatility of the Gemini sign!

Cancer

Cancers, always with their nurturing vibes, find solace in the creamy essence of coconut and almonds. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, echoing their caring soul. And behold Raffaello! That sweetness? It’s the cherry on top, or should we say, the sprinkle of tenderness that makes this icy delight an ideal match for those caring Cancer folks.

Leo

Ah, the Gold’n Kiss, the ice cream fit for a flamboyant Leo! It’s like a spotlight in a cone, decked with 24kt edible gold, perfectly designed for Leo’s center stage craving. And there’s more: Ferrero Rocher! That touch of grandeur and prestige, well, it’s the Leo essence in a frozen delight. It’s grand, it’s majestic, just like Leo at their prime—always shining, always the star!

Cool Clash: Soft Serve vs. Traditional Ice Cream – Decoding the Creamy Battle!

Indulge in a heavenly delight where the inside of our mouthwatering Chimney Cake oozes with luscious Dulce De Leche. Topped with a generous serving

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Virgo

Our refreshing and vibrant Lemon ice cream is a tale in the realm of frozen delights, tailor-made for detail-oriented Virgoes. Its zesty crispness? A melody that sings in perfect harmony with Virgo’s obsession for precision and order. Now, onto the scene-stealers—sea salt caramel and raspberry. They’re like a balanced duet, embodying the well-calibrated essence of Virgo, a nuanced mix that swirls as harmoniously as the stars in Virgo’s universe.

Libra

The Minnie Macarons, an ode to the refined and harmonious, much like our beloved Libra. Delicate flavors in perfect balance, it’s a symphony echoing Libra’s elegance. And behold the colorful macarons and rainbow sprinkles! They’re like a splash of artistry, a perfect complement to Libra’s eternal love affair with beauty and aesthetics.

Scorpio

For the enigmatic Scorpio, the charm of Caramello Toffifay intertwines with their profound nature. It’s like a narrative spun from intense passions—a frozen tale crafted exclusively for our intriguing Scorpios. The union of Toffifay and sea salt caramel? It’s Scorpio’s emotional depth frozen in time, a richness that mirrors their enigmatic nature. 

Sagittarius

The whimsical and magical Unicorn ice cream reflects the playful and adventurous spirit of a Sagittarius. The combination of fancy sprinkles and edible fondant unicorn and roses captures the Sagittarius’ love for all things fantastical and exciting, making it a delightful treat for their free-spirited nature.

Capricorn

An ambitious and steadfast Capricorn seeks a dessert as determined as they are. Our Nutella Dream steps into the spotlight, a frozen dessert perfectly in tune with their unwavering nature. It’s a symphony of Kinder Bueno and Nutella—a testament to their appreciation for quality and success speaking to their hardworking and goal-oriented mindset.

Aquarius

A creative and unconventional Aquarius needs a dessert as diverse as their spirit. Our Frutti ice cream emerges as an intriguing concoction echoing their distinctive essence. It’s a symphony of fresh fruit and chocolate—a testament to their creativity and unconventionality. The inclusion of fresh fruit mirrors the Aquarius’ love for uniqueness and innovation, presenting a delightful choice for their imaginative taste.

Pisces

For the compassionate and gentle Pisces, the Honey & Pistachio blend isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience that encapsulates dreaminess and comfort. With raw honey and pistachios at its core, this creation mirrors the Pisces’ profound connection to nature and their quest for emotional fulfillment. It’s the ideal match, tailored for this sensitive and introspective sign.

Frozen in Time: A Chronicle of Ice Cream’s Legendary Origins

Long before our times, when the world was a stage for emperors and conquerors, there whispered tales of a miraculous creation—a frozen treat that transcended cultures and thrilled not just the imagination but the senses. The saga of ice cream’s origins is woven with threads of mystery and sweet charm.

In ancient China, a Tang emperor, weary from the scorching summer sun, devised an ingenious remedy—shredded ice draped with fruits. A soothing elixir to conquer the relentless heat, a precursor to the frozen marvel we now call ice cream.

The Chronicles of Chinese Songs echoed the first hymn to fruit ice—a recipe whispered through time, penned on scrolls in forgotten ink. Yet, the legend claims that even King Solomon, amidst his opulent reign, partook in icy delights, quenching his thirst with frozen desserts.

As the annals of history unfurled, tales spoke of Alexander the Great, journeying through with his armies and stumbling upon chilled nectars, a respite from the heat of battle.

The sands of Egypt bore witness to a peculiar symphony—milk, honey, and fruit, frozen to perfection—a delicacy indulged by the pharaohs, an offering to their sun gods.

Venturing forward, the Medici era in Italy is often whispered as the birthplace of ice cream’s European roots. Though tales abound, pinpointing an exact creator remains elusive. One legend suggests Catherine de’ Medici’s French cook, who may have masterminded an early iteration of ice cream. However, exact names and dates remain shrouded in the mists of history.

Moving forward to 17th-century France, whispers swirl around Gerard Tiersen, renowned for crafting one of ice cream’s earliest recorded vanilla variations in 1649. This marked a notable milestone in the evolution of ice cream.

In the heart of Paris, Procopio de Coltelli’s café emerged as an epicenter of frozen desserts. Offering an astonishing repertoire of around 80 flavors, the café left a lasting legacy, remaining a beloved establishment to this day.

Then, across the Atlantic, on the shores of the New World, ice cream made its grand entrance. When, you ask? Ah, that tale is wrapped in the mists of time. And so, the enigmatic tale of ice cream dances through epochs, mingling with emperors, kings, and nobles, transcending borders and epochs, forever delighting the human spirit.

Cool Clash: Soft Serve vs. Traditional Ice Cream – Decoding the Creamy Battle!

In the world of frozen delights, there exists the age-old battle between soft serve and regular ice cream. It’s a clash of textures, a showdown of sensations, and we’re here to unravel the frosty mysteries of both. So, what makes these frozen treats so different? Let’s dive in their differences!

Texture:

Soft serve, as the name implies, boasts a delightful creaminess that regular ice cream sometimes lacks. The secret? Its unique dispensing method aerates the mixture during the freezing process, yielding that smooth, almost cloud-like texture. On the flip side, traditional ice cream, churned and frozen more slowly, tends to be denser, offering a chewier bite that some palates prefer.

Fat Content:

Ah, the creamy goodness isn’t just a textural game; it’s also about fat content. Soft serve, known for its lower butterfat content, sits around 3–6%, while its traditional cousin can range anywhere from 10–20%. That reduced fat content in soft serve contributes to its lighter, more ethereal feel on the tongue.

Serving Temperature:

Here’s the thing about temperature: soft serve is typically served at a slightly warmer degree than regular ice cream. The magic of this lies in its ability to melt faster, that smooth, velvety goodness beginning its delicious transformation from solid to liquid upon contact with your taste buds. On the contrary, regular ice cream, frozen at a lower temperature, takes its time to reach that silky consistency, allowing for a slower melting experience.

The debate between soft serve and regular ice cream rages on, each with its loyal followers and passionate advocates. Some swear by the airy softness of the former, while others find solace in the dense, robust character of the latter. In the end, whether you opt for the carnival swirl of soft serve or the classic scoop of regular ice cream, it all boils down to one thing—the love of frozen delights.

Just remember, no matter which side of the cone you’re on, when it comes to ice cream, there’s no wrong way to savor its chilly charm.