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How an Ice-Cream Parlour is making Science Cool

A love of science and a passion for food is behind the creation of Cardiff's first liquid nitrogen ice-cream bar, Science Cream.
Adding liquid nitrogen makes the ice cream super fresh, smooth and full of flavour
Inspired by a visit to a Heston Blumenthal restaurant, owner Carly Karran has combined her degree in science with her enthusiasm for delicious desserts, opening an exciting new business in the city last year.

The Science Bit

The science behind the making of ice cream is not something we've given a lot of thought to in the past. At Science Cream however, the method used to make it is all important. And you can certainly tell that from the taste.

The ice-cream is made in-house initially, using locally produced milk and cream. The addition of liquid nitrogen, with its miniscule ice crystals, then results in the rapid freezing of the cream, making the finished product super fresh and smooth. So, as well as the fabulously frosty experience on your tongue, every spoonful has a velvety soft texture and full creamy flavour.

The process is completely safe; the freezing gas boils once it reaches a temperature of -196°C meaning there isn't a trace left by the time the ice cream gets to the customer. The latest equipment is used in the 'laboratory' area of the shop where you can watch the 'scientists' at work behind a transparent panel. Immerse yourself in the drama of seeing your dessert created right in front of your eyes, emerging from the depths of an arctic mist all ready to tingle the taste buds.

Salted caramel sauce is a popular topping choice

Fantastic Flavours

Hand in hand with the contemporary production process are some pretty unconventional flavours, too. If you want to play it safe with vanilla, then you'll certainly find a cool and creamy version here. But if you lean a little to the adventurous side when it comes to your frozen treat, the choice may well blow you away. Salted caramel, passion fruit Pavlova, pear and rhubarb, coconut and lychee, coffee, Irish stout and chilli are just some of the flavours on the mouthwatering menu which changes each week. There's even gluten or dairy free ice cream for those on a special diet.

And the toppings aren't short on the wow factor, either. Take your pick from a sophisticated array of home-made sprinklings and sauces including honeycomb, white choc pretzels, lemon curd, salted peanut brittle and meringue.

Our mouths are watering as we're writing this. No longer satisfied with a scoop of plain ice cream from a supermarket tub, we can't wait for our next trip to Science Cream. We're planning a few experiments of our own on sampling the menu. Purely in the name of science, of course...

Visit Science Cream at 28 Castle Arcade, Worley's Hardware, Cardiff CF10 1BW. Tel: 02920 372391. Find them on the web at www.sciencecream.co.uk, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Take the virtual tour below.

Date: 29 May 2015
Author: The 360 Company