Black currant ice cream is a delicious frozen dessert that is made with black currant fruit, cream, and sugar. The ice cream has a rich and creamy texture with a tangy, sweet and slightly tart flavour which comes from the black currant fruit. The black currant fruit used to make the ice cream is a small, round, dark purple berry that is known for its intense flavour and high vitamin C content.
It has a slightly sweet and tart taste that makes it a popular ingredient in many desserts, including ice cream. Overall, black currant ice cream is a delicious and unique frozen dessert that is perfect for those who enjoy the sweet and tart flavours of black currants. With its rich and creamy texture and tangy flavour, it is sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.
What is Blackcurrant?
Black currant is a small, round, dark purple berry that grows on shrubs known as Ribes nigrum. The black currant plant is native to Europe and Asia but is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including North America. The fruit has a distinctively sweet and tart flavour and is often used in a variety of culinary applications, including jams, jellies, syrups, and desserts.
Black currants are packed with nutrients and are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. They also contain small amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium. Black currants have been traditionally used for their potential health benefits, including improving immune function, reducing inflammation, and protecting against heart disease.
Black currant berries are commonly used to make juice, which is a popular beverage in Europe. The juice is also used as a flavouring agent in alcoholic beverages, including wine and liqueurs. In addition to culinary uses, black currant leaves are used to make tea and essential oils that are used in aromatherapy.
How to Make Blackcurrant Ice Cream?
It is a perfect summer treat, as it is refreshing and flavorful, and its vibrant purple colour adds a pop of colour to any dessert table. Some recipes also include lemon juice or zest to enhance the tangy flavour of the black currant. Black currant ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other desserts such as fruit pies, cakes, or tarts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh black currants
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Rinse the black currants under cold running water and remove the stems. Place the black currants in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
- Strain the black currant puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the black currant puree, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 25-30 minutes, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve the black currant ice cream on its own or with toppings of your choice, such as fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Note: For a creamier texture, you can add an extra egg yolk to the mixture before heating it on the stovetop. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference, depending on the sweetness of the black currants.
Is Blackcurrant Ice Cream Healthy to Eat?
While blackcurrant ice cream can be a delicious and enjoyable treat, it is important to note that it is not typically considered a healthy food. Here are some points to consider regarding the healthiness of blackcurrant ice cream:
- Calories: Ice cream, in general, is a calorie-dense food, which means it contains a lot of calories in a small serving size. One cup of blackcurrant ice cream can contain around 250-300 calories, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
- Sugar: Most ice cream recipes contain added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Blackcurrant ice cream typically contains a moderate to high amount of sugar, depending on the recipe.
- Fat: Ice cream is typically high in fat, which can also contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Blackcurrant ice cream recipes often call for heavy cream, which is high in saturated fat.
- Nutrients: While blackcurrants are a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients, much of the nutritional content is lost during the processing and freezing of the berries into ice cream.
Overall, while blackcurrant ice cream can be a delicious treat enjoyed in moderation, it is not considered a health food due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. For those looking to enjoy the health benefits of blackcurrants, it may be better to consume them in their fresh or dried form or use them in recipes with healthier ingredients such as smoothies or fruit salads.
What Does Blackcurrant Taste Like?
Blackcurrants have a unique and distinctive taste that is difficult to compare to any other fruit. Here are some characteristics of the taste of blackcurrants:
- Tartness: Blackcurrants are known for their sharp and tangy flavour, which is similar to the taste of sour cherries or cranberries. The tartness of blackcurrants is due to their high levels of natural acidity.
- Sweetness: While blackcurrants are not typically eaten on their own due to their tartness, they do have some sweetness to balance out the sourness. The sweetness can vary depending on the ripeness of the berries.
- Astringency: Blackcurrants have a slightly astringent taste, which can make the mouth feel dry or puckered. This is due to the presence of tannins, which are also found in red wine.
- Berry flavour: Blackcurrants have a distinct berry flavour that is difficult to describe. Some people compare the taste to that of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, but with a sharper edge.
Overall, blackcurrants have a complex flavour profile that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from desserts to savoury sauces. Their tartness and astringency make them a popular ingredient in jams, jellies, and syrups, while their berry flavour pairs well with chocolate and other rich flavours in desserts.
How Long Does it Take to Freeze Blackcurrant Ice Cream?
The freezing time for blackcurrant ice cream can vary depending on a few different factors, such as the type of ice cream maker being used, the temperature of the ingredients, and the recipe being followed. Here are some general guidelines for how long it might take to freeze blackcurrant ice cream:
- Ice cream makers with a built-in freezer: If you are using an ice cream maker with a built-in freezer, the freezing time can range from 20 to 40 minutes. The exact time will depend on the manufacturer’s instructions and the specific model of the ice cream maker.
- Ice cream makers with a freezer bowl: If you are using an ice cream maker with a freezer bowl, the bowl will need to be frozen ahead of time, typically for at least 24 hours. Once the bowl is frozen, the freezing time for the ice cream can range from 20 to 40 minutes.
- No-churn recipes: If you are making a no-churn blackcurrant ice cream recipe that does not require an ice cream maker, the freezing time can be longer. The ice cream will need to be placed in a freezer-safe container and frozen for several hours, usually at least 4 to 6 hours, or until it is firm.
It is important to note that the texture of the ice cream can also be affected by the freezing time and the method used. Over-freezing can cause the ice cream to become too hard and difficult to scoop while under-freezing can result in a soft and runny texture. It is best to follow the recipe instructions carefully and monitor the ice cream closely while it is freezing to achieve the desired texture.
What are the Mistakes to be Avoided While Making Blackcurrant Ice Cream?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while making blackcurrant ice cream:
- Not straining the blackcurrant puree: It is important to strain the blackcurrant puree to remove any seeds or pulp before adding it to the ice cream mixture. Otherwise, the ice cream may have a gritty texture.
- Using too much sugar: Blackcurrants are naturally tart, but adding too much sugar can overpower their flavour. It is best to use sugar sparingly and taste the mixture as you go.
- Not chilling the mixture before churning: It is important to chill the ice cream mixture thoroughly before churning to ensure that it freezes evenly. If the mixture is too warm, it may not freeze properly and result in a soupy texture.
- Over-churning the ice cream: Over-churning can cause the ice cream to become too dense and hard, or even separate. It is important to monitor the ice cream closely while it is churning and stop the machine as soon as the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Not storing the ice cream properly: Once the ice cream is made, it should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. If the ice cream is exposed to air, it can develop ice crystals and become icy.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a delicious and creamy blackcurrant ice cream that showcases the unique flavour of this tangy fruit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blackcurrant ice cream is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for the summer months. This recipe involves making a simple blackcurrant puree that is then mixed with a custard base and churned in an ice cream maker. The resulting ice cream is creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavour.
To make the perfect blackcurrant ice cream, it is important to use fresh and ripe blackcurrants and to avoid common mistakes such as over-churning or using too much sugar. By following the recipe closely and monitoring the ice cream closely as it freezes, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
