A lemongrass and ginger-flavoured ice cream has been named the yummiest scoop in the land.
The ice cream, from Kapiti Fine Foods, won the supreme award at the New Zealand Ice Cream Awards in Rotorua yesterday.
Ice Cream Manufacturer's Association secretary Jenny de Lisle said a record 187
ice creams from 24 manufacturers were entered in the competition.
"It was encouraging to see the quality of ice creams, gelatos and sorbets, especially from the small operators who don't always have access to the technology of larger companies," Mrs de Lisle said.
Rush Munro's took the top prize in the open creative category with its rose petal ice cream, which came with chocolate-covered petals.
Valentino's, a small Auckland gelati shop, won the gelato/sorbet category with its blackberry pie flavour, which impressed the judges with its authentic pastry flavour.
Judging took two days, and the judges were helped by Massey University food technology staff.
Ice creams were given scores out of 100, and points were awarded for appearance, body and texture, flavour and melting quality.
Mrs de Lisle said the plain vanilla category was a challenge for manufacturers, who strived to produce a perfect texture and subtle taste without using anything other than vanilla flavour.
Deep South's was the winner for the fifth year in a row, with its French vanilla flavour.
New Zealand was a nation of dairy consumers, and had its own unique style, Mrs de Lisle said.
"Indulgence without guilt" was the future challenge for the country's ice cream makers.
- NZPA
