During COVID, many of us have gotten creative. Some have created musical videos, built their own furniture, started painting or turned into gourmet cooks.
The chefs in Lithuania are a good example.
This small Baltic country has decided not to settle for plain old vanilla ice cream. Chefs from around the country have turned out some of their weirdest, and yet tastiest, ice cream concoctions yet.
Here are some of our favorites. Which ones would you like to try?
1. Beer ice cream
Yes, we picked this one first because, duh, it combines two of our favorite flavors – beer and ice cream. The Lithuanian Beer Academy, which cherishes long-standing beer traditions, has perfected this nice combination.
According to the ice cream chef, only dark beer is used for production because of its strong caramel aftertaste. To ensure sweetness, they also use sugar and lemon juice. Chips and beer ice cream – looks like we have a new sauna package combination!
2. Pine needle ice cream
Sure, you may usually find these on the forest floor, but pine needles have been long known as a source of vitamin C. According to health specialists, pine needles improve the immune system, strengthen the body, and slow down aging (yay for that!)
Freshly harvested pine needles, sugar powder, and cream are the main ingredients of this delight. This unusual combination smells just like a Christmas tree. Delightful!
3. Rhubarb ice cream
Confession, we’ve had this before in Austria, and it was simply yummy. Fresh rhubarb is rich in vitamins C, P, and K. Rhubarb ice cream also contains leaves, sugar, water, orange peel, ginger, and salt.
4. Quark and nettle ice cream
We’re not sure what to say about this one, but it makes us curious. According to local Lithuanian chefs, ice cream from these ingredients is delicious, fresh, reminiscent of green tea, and healthy.
Nutritionists say that nettle is rich in vitamins, but if nettle soup (delicious by the way) does not rock your boat, ice cream might be a better choice.
5. Peony ice cream
Ice cream from a flower? Why not! Peony flowers are not just beautiful. Apparently, they can also be delicious.
The founders of the Labanoras restaurant tell us that these are made from petal syrup mixed with cream. The petals turn the ice cream pink and make it smell like perfume. Nice!
6. Carrot ice cream
They say eating carrots is good for your eyesight, so this is a good option. Since carrots are sweet, they are often used in cakes, puddings, and pancakes.
According to food historians, the use of carrots as sweeteners dates back to WWI, when there was not much sugar available. When preparing this ice cream, chefs soak carrots in maple syrup, which gives them an excellent caramel aftertaste.
7. Beetroot ice cream
Beetroot is a healthy choice, which can be used not only in main dishes and smoothies but also in various cakes and cupcakes. This beetroot dessert has a deep, earthy aroma, marvelous purple color, and goes well with dark chocolate.
8. Lavender ice cream
Natural ice cream made from flowers without additives is a good choice for dessert lovers who want a healthy lifestyle. The lavender petals are soaked overnight in vanilla ice cream to reveal the aroma. This creates ice cream that smells extra good!
9. Linden honey and dill oil ice cream
Dill is a common spice, according to the kitchen chef of the Velvetti restaurant in southern Lithuania, but it is dill oil that balances the sweetness of the honey, and gives the dessert a savory quality.
10. Seaweed and caviar ice cream
Seaweed and caviar ice cream is for those who want to jump in and try something different. It’s really more of a snack than a dessert. Try it when you visit the Lithuanian seacoast. The taste is reminiscent of sushi.
12. Spinach and tarragon ice cream
For veggie lovers, spinach and tarragon ice cream will be a great alternative to a smoothie. Spinach is considered one of the healthiest vegetables in the world, and its combination with tarragon will pleasantly surprise you.
12. Smoked mackerel ice cream
The recipe for this interesting frozen delight is a highly guarded secret according to the Chef at Apvalaus Stalo Klubas restaurant. After tasting this summer dessert you’ll know why. It’s a favorite with those who love seafood.
Lithuania is full of surprises for those who visit. You can find 47 different ice cream shops and restaurants to sample these culinary masterpieces in Lithuania here: https://lithuania.travel/en/news/frosty-flavours-to-melt-for-ice-cream-map
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