Salt & Straw is an ice cream brand that has garnered a lot of attention and popularity for its unique flavors and commitment to quality. Founded in Portland, Oregon in 2011 by Kim and Tyler Malek, Salt & Straw has quickly grown to become one of the most sought-after ice cream brands in the United States. The brand is celebrated not only for its delicious, inventive ice cream flavors but also for its emphasis on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. In this article, we will dive deep into what makes Salt & Straw’s ice cream so special by exploring the key ingredients in Salt & Straw that go into their creations.
A Focus on Quality Ingredients
Salt & Straw prides itself on the quality of the ingredients used in every scoop. They focus on sourcing ingredients that are as fresh, organic, and locally grown as possible. This approach is a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers and producers. It’s not just about creating great-tasting ice cream; it’s about making an impact on the community and the environment by sourcing ingredients responsibly.
The ice cream that Salt & Straw makes is handcrafted in small batches to ensure the freshest product possible. With a focus on creativity, they often collaborate with local farmers, artisans, and producers to infuse their ice creams with truly unique flavors. From farm-to-cone, Salt & Straw has built a reputation for using the best, most thoughtfully sourced ingredients available.
The Core Ingredients in Salt & Straw Ice Cream
At the heart of Salt & Straw’s ice cream are a few core ingredients that make the base of most of their flavors. These ingredients, while simple, are carefully selected to ensure that they create a smooth, creamy, and flavorful base that serves as the foundation for the company’s signature ice creams.
1. Milk and Cream
Milk and cream are the two main ingredients in the base of most ice creams, and Salt & Straw is no exception. They use high-quality dairy from local farms in the Pacific Northwest. The milk used is typically whole milk, which adds a rich, creamy texture to the ice cream. The cream, sourced from local dairies, is also essential in creating the luxurious mouthfeel that Salt & Straw ice cream is known for. It’s the perfect balance of richness and smoothness.
Using milk and cream from local farms also contributes to the farm-to-table ethos of the brand. These farms typically prioritize sustainable practices, and their milk is free from antibiotics and hormones, which further elevates the quality of the ice cream.
2. Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are a common ingredient in many premium ice creams, and Salt & Straw incorporates them into many of their flavors. The inclusion of egg yolks helps create a custard-like base, which contributes to the smooth, velvety texture of the ice cream. This makes the ice cream rich and indulgent while also enhancing the flavor by adding a subtle creaminess.
Egg yolks are also important for stabilizing the ice cream, helping to prevent it from becoming icy. They act as an emulsifier, which helps to bind the water and fat molecules in the cream and milk. This allows the ice cream to maintain its smooth texture as it freezes.
3. Sugar
Sugar is essential to the sweetness of the ice cream, but it’s also necessary to help prevent ice crystals from forming in the frozen product. Salt & Straw uses cane sugar, a natural sweetener that not only provides the desired level of sweetness but also contributes to the overall texture of the ice cream. The sugar helps the ice cream become smooth and easy to scoop while balancing out the richness of the cream.
The level of sweetness in Salt & Straw ice cream is typically not overwhelming. Instead, they strive for a more nuanced sweetness that complements the flavors of the ingredients, allowing for a more balanced dessert experience.
4. Salt
As the name suggests, salt plays an important role in Salt & Straw’s ice cream. The brand uses high-quality sea salt, which is incorporated into various flavors to enhance the sweetness and highlight the complexity of the other ingredients. Salt can balance out the sweetness of the cream and sugar, providing a more sophisticated taste experience.
The salt in their ice creams is often used in tandem with other bold ingredients like caramel, chocolate, or fruit, helping to accentuate and elevate the natural flavors. The use of sea salt also adds a touch of natural mineral richness to the ice cream, further enriching its flavor profile.
Specialty Ingredients in Salt & Straw’s Flavors
While the core ingredients form the base of most Salt & Straw ice creams, the brand is well known for its inventive and unusual flavors. These often feature specialty ingredients sourced from local artisans, farmers, and producers, creating flavors that can range from sweet and savory to fruity and decadent. Below are some examples of the types of specialty ingredients that make Salt & Straw’s ice cream stand out:
1. Locally Sourced Fruits
Salt & Straw works closely with local farmers to source fresh, seasonal fruits that go directly into their ice creams. Whether it’s juicy berries from the Pacific Northwest, plump peaches, or tangy citrus, these fruits add freshness and natural sweetness to the ice cream. The fruit is often incorporated in different ways—sometimes as a swirl, other times as a puree or whole pieces mixed throughout the base.
For example, one of their popular seasonal flavors, “Honey Lavender,” features locally harvested lavender paired with honey and fruit to create a fragrant and fruity ice cream. The brand also offers flavors like “Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper,” which features tangy balsamic vinegar paired with fresh strawberries, making it a perfect example of Salt & Straw’s ability to balance savory and sweet in their ice cream.
2. Nuts and Nut Butters
Nuts are another common ingredient in Salt & Straw ice creams. From roasted pistachios to crushed hazelnuts, Salt & Straw adds texture and depth to their flavors through the use of various nuts. The nuts often bring a crunchy texture to complement the creamy base of the ice cream, adding variety to the overall experience.
Nut butters, such as peanut butter or almond butter, are also used to infuse the ice cream with richness and flavor. These butters often swirl through the ice cream, offering pockets of creamy, nutty goodness in each bite. For instance, the “Peanut Butter Caramel Brownie” flavor features a creamy peanut butter base with swirls of gooey caramel and chewy brownie pieces.
3. Chocolate and Caramel
Salt & Straw is known for using high-quality chocolate and caramel in many of their decadent flavors. The chocolate used in their ice cream is often dark chocolate, which provides a richer, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cream. Dark chocolate also has a smoother texture compared to milk chocolate, making it ideal for ice cream.
Caramel is another ingredient that frequently appears in Salt & Straw’s offerings. The brand is known for creating caramel that is slow-cooked in small batches, giving it a deep, rich flavor. In flavors like “Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons,” the caramel ribbons are a perfect blend of salty and sweet, creating an indulgent treat.
4. Savory Ingredients
In addition to sweet flavors, Salt & Straw also creates savory ice creams. These ice creams often contain ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or even blue cheese. For example, one of their popular savory flavors is “Pear & Blue Cheese,” which combines the tanginess of blue cheese with the sweetness of pear, offering an ice cream that is both rich and complex.
The use of savory ingredients in ice cream might sound unusual, but Salt & Straw has perfected this technique by balancing the savory flavors with sweetness to create an experience that’s both surprising and delicious.
5. Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are frequently used to add complexity to Salt & Straw’s ice cream flavors. Whether it’s the subtle hint of cinnamon in a fall-inspired ice cream or the fragrant infusion of rosemary in a more unusual creation, spices and herbs help create layers of flavor that make each bite of ice cream intriguing.
In the “Cinnamon Snickerdoodle” flavor, cinnamon and brown sugar combine to create a warm, comforting dessert, while in “Caramelized Banana with Pineapple,” the combination of spices adds an extra level of complexity to the tropical fruit flavor.
6. Local Dairy and Artisan Products
Many of Salt & Straw’s flavors feature local artisanal products, such as local cheeses, honey, and even freshly churned butter. For example, their “Triple Citrus Sorbet” features locally made lemon curd, which adds an extra burst of tartness and freshness to the citrus base.
Salt & Straw has also collaborated with local breweries, distilleries, and coffee roasters to create ice creams that incorporate beer, spirits, and specialty coffee beans. These collaborations often result in flavors that are inspired by locally made beverages, like the “Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons” paired with Portland’s own Stumptown coffee.
The Importance of Sustainability and Ethics in Ingredient Sourcing
Salt & Straw is committed to sustainability in all areas of its business, from ingredient sourcing to packaging. They partner with local farms and suppliers that share their commitment to ethical practices, including using environmentally responsible farming techniques and ensuring fair compensation for workers. By sourcing ingredients locally, they reduce their carbon footprint and help support regional economies.
The brand also uses recyclable and compostable materials for their packaging, including biodegradable spoons and containers. This commitment to sustainability is an important part of their brand identity, and it resonates with customers who care about where their food comes from and how it impacts the environment.
Conclusion
Salt & Straw’s ice cream is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a reflection of the brand’s dedication to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. From the rich, creamy base made from milk, cream, and eggs to the inventive use of fruits, spices, nuts, and savory elements, Salt & Straw continues to push the boundaries of what ice cream can be. The result is an ice cream that is both indulgent and inventive, a true testament to the power of high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Whether you’re enjoying a classic flavor or exploring a more experimental one, you can be confident that Salt & Straw is using the best ingredients to make your experience truly exceptional.
You Might Be Interested In:
