We ALL Scream for Ice Cream: Frozen Favorites From Around the Globe
It’s no secret that Americans love ice cream, especially with the U.S. population consuming 26 liters of ice cream per person every year. However, Americans aren’t the only ones who like their desserts frozen, as the global frozen dessert market is currently valued at 25.7 billion USD. In fact, the industry is expected to grow -- experts predict it will reach a value of 32.65 billion USD by 2022.
Various cultures have different preferences for frozen desserts. Ice cream doesn’t always reign supreme! Here are six popular frozen desserts from around the world.
Japan: Mochi Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream is golf-ball sized and has an ice cream filling surrounded by a light doughy substance. It is known for interesting flavors like green tea and red bean. The origins of mochi are unknown, but there have been similar desserts in Japan dating back to the 10th century when various kinds of glutinous rice pasta were used as imperial offerings during religious ceremonies.
Israel: Halva Ice Cream
Hailing from Tel Aviv, this frozen treat is typically made from sesame halva, tahini paste, eggs, cream, and sugar. It has quite the history -- some food historians can trace halva back to 3000 B.C.
Italy: Gelato
Italy is known for its smooth and creamy gelato, which is made from fruit, milk, and sugar. It’s very similar to traditional ice cream, but it contains 7% to 9% less milk fat.
Iran: Faloodeh
This interesting dish is created by mixing thin vermicelli noodles, freezing them, and adding corn starch, rose water, and lime juice. It was invented by the Persians in 400 B.C.
India: Kulfi
Kulfi is made from boiling down milk sweetened with corn syrup and sugar. Like frozen custard, it is dense and creamy and comes in flavors such as mango puree, pistachio, vanilla, and rose. This dessert dates back to the 16th century.
Turkey: Dondurma
Created in the city of Maras, dondurma consists of milk, sugar, salep, and mastic. The last two ingredients are thickening agents, which create a denser ice cream that is thicker than American ice cream and more resistant to melting.
So what dessert is your favorite?
Various cultures have different preferences for frozen desserts. Ice cream doesn’t always reign supreme! Here are six popular frozen desserts from around the world.
Japan: Mochi Ice Cream
Mochi ice cream is golf-ball sized and has an ice cream filling surrounded by a light doughy substance. It is known for interesting flavors like green tea and red bean. The origins of mochi are unknown, but there have been similar desserts in Japan dating back to the 10th century when various kinds of glutinous rice pasta were used as imperial offerings during religious ceremonies.
Israel: Halva Ice Cream
Hailing from Tel Aviv, this frozen treat is typically made from sesame halva, tahini paste, eggs, cream, and sugar. It has quite the history -- some food historians can trace halva back to 3000 B.C.
Italy: Gelato
Italy is known for its smooth and creamy gelato, which is made from fruit, milk, and sugar. It’s very similar to traditional ice cream, but it contains 7% to 9% less milk fat.
Iran: Faloodeh
This interesting dish is created by mixing thin vermicelli noodles, freezing them, and adding corn starch, rose water, and lime juice. It was invented by the Persians in 400 B.C.
India: Kulfi
Kulfi is made from boiling down milk sweetened with corn syrup and sugar. Like frozen custard, it is dense and creamy and comes in flavors such as mango puree, pistachio, vanilla, and rose. This dessert dates back to the 16th century.
Turkey: Dondurma
Created in the city of Maras, dondurma consists of milk, sugar, salep, and mastic. The last two ingredients are thickening agents, which create a denser ice cream that is thicker than American ice cream and more resistant to melting.
So what dessert is your favorite?
