Hazelnut ice cream is one of the most loved and requested flavors in ice cream parlors. Its velvety texture and intense flavor make it a timeless classic, appreciated by adults and children alike. However, making a real hazelnut ice cream requires high-quality ingredients and careful processing. In this article, we will explore the characteristics that make this flavor special, discover the secrets to enhancing its aroma, and see how the different variants of hazelnut pastes available can influence the final result.
The origins of hazelnut ice cream
The hazelnut has an ancient history in the Italian confectionery tradition. This fruit is typical of the regions of northern Italy, such as Piedmont, and has been used for centuries to produce sweets and creams. The most prized variety is the hazelnut gentile trilobata delle Langhe, which with its unmistakable aroma and rounded flavor has become synonymous with excellence.
In the world of ice cream, hazelnut is one of the oldest and most versatile flavors. With its ability to adapt to different combinations and enhance the base of the ice cream, it is an ingredient that cannot be missing from the laboratories of master ice cream makers. But what distinguishes a good hazelnut ice cream from a mediocre one?
The ingredients make the difference
The secret to obtaining an authentic and flavorful hazelnut ice cream lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Hazelnut pastes are the key element to give an intense and creamy flavor. However, not all pastes are the same: the roasting process and the quality of the hazelnuts significantly influence the final result.
The hazelnut pastes available on Gelnat include
● Trilobata Gentile Hazelnut Paste: the most prized variety and rich in aromatic nuances. Ideal for a high-end ice cream.
● Toasted Italian Hazelnut Paste: a more delicate version, which enhances the flavor of the hazelnut with a slightly sweet touch and a balanced roasting.
● Classic hazelnut paste: perfect for an ice cream with a strong and persistent flavor, which can be used as a base for numerous combinations.
Each type of paste has its own particularities: by choosing the right paste you can obtain different nuances of flavor and intensity, adapting the product to the preferences of your customers.
How to make perfect hazelnut ice cream
To create a hazelnut ice cream that stands out, it is not enough to use a good paste: you need to correctly balance all the ingredients to obtain the right creaminess and consistency. Here are some practical tips to make the most of the hazelnut flavor:
1. Choose the right base: The base plays a fundamental role in the creation of hazelnut ice cream. A milk base enriched with cream enhances the flavor of the hazelnut paste, while a lighter base with plant-based milk can be used to create vegan versions of the ice cream.
2. Adjust the sweetness: Hazelnuts have a naturally sweet and intense flavor. For this reason, it is important to balance the amount of sugars to avoid the flavor being too heavy. Use low-sweetening sugars, such as dextrose, to keep the sweetness under control.
3. Be careful with the quantity: Do not overdo the amount of paste: even if it seems that “more is better”, an excessive amount can make the ice cream oily and compromise the consistency. Start with small amounts and gradually increase until you find the right balance.
4. Experiment with combinations: Hazelnut ice cream is perfect both on its own and in combination with other flavors. For a gourmet touch, you can variegate the ice cream with a dark chocolate sauce or a cocoa variegate. Or, try pairing it with fruity flavors such as raspberry or strawberry for an interesting contrast of flavors.
Combinations and creative suggestions
Hazelnut ice cream is versatile and can be combined with numerous ingredients to create original and captivating combinations.
Here are some ideas:
● Hazelnut and pistachio: a classic combination, in which the sweetness of the hazelnut blends with the stronger flavor of the pistachio. Use pure pistachio paste with chlorophyll to obtain a bright green and an intense flavor.
● Hazelnut and chocolate: add a dark stracciatella variegation for a crunchy and delicious ice cream. The contrast between the creaminess of the hazelnut and the crunchiness of the chocolate will make the ice cream irresistible.
● Hazelnut and coffee: a combination for lovers of intense flavors. The coffee paste adds a bitter note that enhances the sweet taste of the hazelnut.
● Hazelnut and berries: use a garnish of 45% berry sauce for a fresh and balanced ice cream, ideal for the summer.
Hazelnut ice cream in your creations
If you are looking for a flavor that combines tradition and innovation, hazelnut is the perfect choice. You can use it as a base for classic flavors or transform it into a gourmet experience with the addition of exclusive ingredients. Also consider the possibility of offering limited flavors, such as "caramelized hazelnut" or "honey hazelnut", using available toppings and variegations.
Hazelnut ice cream is a must in every ice cream shop, but to really stand out it is essential to choose high-quality pastes and know how to use them to their best. Each paste has its own particularities and can give you different results: find the one that best suits your needs and discover how to make the most of it!
Want to discover our selection of hazelnut pastes?
Visit our section dedicated to ice cream pastes or contact us directly to receive personalized advice and choose the perfect ingredient for your laboratory.
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