Freezing Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream at Freeze

Carbon dioxide. Maltodextrin. Centrifuge. Those three things might sound overly scientific to you, but they are actually common equipments or ingredients used in the so-called molecular gastronomy. In this style of cooking, chefs —in the same manner as scientists— continuously innovate and push boundaries to create delicious dishes that also excite diners through its making process and presentation. Meet Freeze, a liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour.

Liquid nitrogen, really? Is it safe for human consumption?

Yes, of course, when applied correctly. Seventy eight percent of our atmosphere is nitrogen. In other words, nitrogen is all around you; it’s oxygen’s constant companion. Making an ice cream using liquid nitrogen is easy breezy: put the ice cream mixture with your favourite flavours and liquid nitrogen inside the mixer. One minute later, voila! No need to go all the way and buy your own liquid nitrogen though, simply pop by one of Freeze’s outlets, pick a flavour, and you’re good to go.

What’s so good about liquid nitrogen ice cream anyway? Besides the fact that the smokey effect is pretty impressive.

Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, causing the ice cream mixture to freeze almost instantly. Thanks to that, the ice particles are small, and small ice particles mean silky, velvety texture. Let’s take a look at Freeze’s Ben Ana that combines a super smooth banana ice cream with crushed peanuts. The two ingredients have a very different texture: just as the banana ice cream starts to melt in your mouth, there comes the crunch from the peanuts. Such a food-texture win!

Liquor enthusiasts might also be interested in trying Freeze’s premium cheeky-named menus that incorporate liquor: Jamaican Sunrise, Son of A B, and Socks at The Beach, among others. The subtle bitterness adds a unique kick to your ice cream! Although eating ice cream with this kind of texture can be strange at first —and there’s this specific taste of liquid nitrogen ice cream that some people can’t get past— it is indeed a very unique experience. Do drop by, see it with your own two eyes, and have a taste!

P.S. Check out Coconut Rewards for some sweet deals at Freeze: buy 1 premium menu and get another cup for free! Check out the T&C here.

Credits:
Photo and Text by Alexandra Karman