Tips for serving and storage
- Put the ice cream in the freezer as soon as you get home, and don't leave it sitting on the bench when you've finished serving it.
- Ice cream lasts longer at lower temperatures. If you store it at -18°C it'll be hard and will keep its texture better than at higher temperatures.
- Before serving, let ice cream sit for about 10 minutes.
Keep it cold
Ice cream is best at cold, constant temperatures. Ice crystals form when ice cream fluctuates in storage temperature. When its temperature rises, even by small amounts, some of the tiny ice crystals melt. When the temperature drops again the remaining ice crystals grow larger. This is known as "heat shock" and it results in a gritty sensation on the tongue.
How do you avoid buying heat-shocked ice cream? Check the outside of the container and if it has ice crystals on it, don't buy it. It’s a sign the ice cream has undergone temperature changes.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: All about ice cream
