Freeze Dried Ice-Cream (Cookies & Cream)

Freeze-Dried Ice Cream: A Heavenly Delight

Freeze-dried ice cream, often referred to as astronaut ice cream, is a miraculous invention that has revolutionized the way we enjoy this beloved dessert. But what exactly is freeze-dried ice cream? Let’s dive in.

The Magic of Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is the process that transforms traditional ice cream into the space-friendly, room-temperature-storable delicacy we know today. By lowering the air pressure to a point where ice sublimates directly from a solid to a gas, the water is effectively removed from the ice cream. This results in a product that retains the flavors of ice cream but is dry, brittle, and yet, surprisingly soft when bitten into.

The Astronaut’s Dessert: A Brief History

Originally developed by Whirlpool Corporation under contract to NASA for the Apollo missions, freeze-dried ice cream was meant to be a treat for astronauts on long-duration spaceflights. Although it wasn’t actually used on any Apollo mission, the concept captured the public’s imagination, and freeze-dried ice cream gained popularity as a novelty item.

An Unforgettable Experience: The Unique Texture and Taste

One of the most striking features of freeze-dried ice cream is its texture. Crispy, yet soft when bitten into, it quickly melts in your mouth, releasing its flavorful essence.

The Science Behind the Unique Texture

The unique texture of freeze-dried ice cream is a result of the freeze-drying process. As the water is removed, it leaves behind tiny air pockets. These pockets give the ice cream its lightness and help it dissolve quickly in your mouth, providing a delightfully creamy sensation.

Why Does It Melt in Your Mouth?

When you eat freeze-dried ice cream, the moisture in your mouth rehydrates the ice cream, causing it to “melt.” This quick transition from a solid to a creamy treat is part of what makes eating freeze-dried ice cream such a novel experience.

The Star of the Show: Cookies & Cream Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

Among the varieties of freeze-dried ice cream, the Cookies & Cream flavor stands out for its delightful combination of sweet vanilla and crunchy cookie pieces.

What Makes it Special?

Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream is a delicious blend of rich vanilla ice cream and crunchy Newman’s Own cookie pieces. It’s a perfect harmony of smooth and crunchy textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

A Rich and Creamy Delight

With 60% overrun and 15% butterfat, Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream is nearly twice as dense and creamy as other ice creams. This results in a light, crunchy, and velvety smooth treat that melts in your mouth, leaving a delectable aftertaste.

The Health and Quality Factors

Another thing to love about Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream is that it’s made with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Plus, there are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives! It’s a treat you can feel good about indulging in.

Unboxing the Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

When you open a package of Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream, you’ll be greeted by a block of ice cream that’s been freeze-dried to perfection. Despite its dry appearance, don’t be fooled! As soon as you take a bite, the ice cream will begin to melt in your mouth, delivering a burst of cookies and cream flavor.

How to Enjoy Your Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

Freeze-dried ice cream isn’t just for astronauts! It’s a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings.

The Perfect Snack for Adventures

Since it’s lightweight and doesn’t require refrigeration, freeze-dried ice cream is the perfect snack for hiking, camping, or any outdoor adventure. Just toss it in your backpack and enjoy a sweet treat wherever your journey takes you!

A Delightful Gift for Space Enthusiasts

Know someone who’s fascinated by all things space? A package of freeze-dried ice cream could be the perfect gift! It’s a fun and tasty way to experience a piece of astronaut life.

Where to Find Your Next Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Treat?

While freeze-dried ice cream might not be as readily available as its traditional counterpart, it’s definitely worth the hunt.

Popular Locations to Find Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

You can often find freeze-dried ice cream in science museums and NASA visitor center gift shops. Some companies also sell it by mail order.

Searching for Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Near You

Searching for “freeze-dried ice cream near me” or “astronaut ice cream neapolitan” online should yield a list of places where you can find this unique treat. You might be surprised to find it in some local grocery stores or specialty food shops!

The Future of Ice Cream is Here

Freeze-dried ice cream is a delightful novelty that brings a touch of astronaut life to Earth. With its unique texture and fun flavors like Cookies & Cream, it offers a novel way to enjoy this classic dessert. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds might just thank you!

FAQs

1. What is freeze-dried ice cream? Freeze-dried ice cream is ice cream that has had most of the water removed from it through a process called freeze-drying. The result is a product that can be stored at room temperature without melting and has a unique, soft but brittle texture.
2. Where can I buy freeze-dried ice cream? Freeze-dried ice cream can be found in science museums and NASA visitor center gift shops. Some companies also sell it by mail order. You might also find it in local grocery stores or specialty food shops.

3. Can you eat freeze-dried ice cream like regular ice cream? Yes, you can eat freeze-dried ice cream just like regular ice cream. However, instead of using a spoon, you’ll likely be biting into it directly. The freeze-dried ice cream will quickly melt in your mouth, releasing its flavors.
4. Is freeze-dried ice cream healthy? While freeze-dried ice cream is a dessert and should be eaten in moderation, some brands offer products made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, like Rocky Mountain Freeze Dry, and do not use artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
5. Did astronauts really eat freeze-dried ice cream in space? Contrary to popular belief, freeze-dried ice cream was not widely used in space missions. It’s listed on the menu for the Apollo 7 mission, but there’s no evidence that it was actually served. Regular ice cream, on the other hand, has been enjoyed on the Skylab space station and the International Space Station.
6. How is Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream different from other flavors? Cookies & Cream freeze-dried ice cream is made with rich vanilla ice cream and crunchy Newman’s Own cookie pieces. It’s denser and creamier than other flavors, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors.
7. Is freeze-dried ice cream a good snack for outdoor activities? Yes, freeze-dried ice cream is a great snack for outdoor activities. It’s lightweight, doesn’t require refrigeration, and can be easily packed, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and other adventures.
   

   Ingredients:

   Ice-Cream (Cookies & Cream)

   Nutrition Facts (Valeur Nutritive)

   Per Bag (pour Sac): 100 g

   *DV = Daily Value %
   *VQ = Valeur Quotidienne %

   ---

   Calories: 340
   Fat/Lipides 13 g – 17% DV / VQ
   Saturated / Saturés 3 g – 10% DV / VQ
   +Trans / trans 0 g – 0 % DV / VQ
   Carbohydrate / Glucides 49 g
   Fibre / Fivre 1 g
   Sugars / SUCRES 20 g
   Protein / Protéines 8 g
   Cholesterol / Cholestérol 10 mg
   Sodium 350 mg – 15% DV / VQ
   Potassium 147 mg – 7% DV / VQ
   Calcium 100 mg – 10% DV / VQ
   Iron / Fer 0.3 mg – 4% DV / VQ
   *5% or less is a little, 15% or more is a lot / *5% ou moins c’est peu, 15 % ou plus c’est beaucoup