Salt & Straw, an innovative ice cream company founded in Portland, Oregon, is known for pushing the boundaries of what ice cream can be. From savory to sweet, this brand has been delighting and surprising its customers with unique and often controversial flavors. One of the most talked-about creations in their extensive repertoire is the Bone Marrow ice cream.
But what makes this flavor so special? Why would anyone want to taste bone marrow in an ice cream cone? Is this daring concoction truly worth the hype? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream and explore its origins, its flavor profile, and why it has gained such a strong following.
Salt & Straw: The Company That Reimagines Ice Cream
Salt & Straw started in 2011 with a mission to offer ice cream that goes beyond the typical flavors. The company’s philosophy is to experiment with ingredients that are unconventional yet high in quality. They aim to create a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously shocking your palate with unexpected combinations. Every year, Salt & Straw introduces seasonal flavors that tell a story, often highlighting local ingredients and unique culinary trends. Bone Marrow ice cream is one such creation that has sparked conversation among food lovers and ice cream enthusiasts alike.
The brand’s reputation for daring flavor profiles has earned it a loyal fanbase. Salt & Straw’s commitment to creativity is what sets it apart from traditional ice cream companies. But how does Bone Marrow Ice Cream fit into this narrative of culinary experimentation?
The Origins of Bone Marrow Ice Cream
Bone Marrow Ice Cream was first introduced as part of Salt & Straw’s seasonal flavor lineup. It quickly gained notoriety for its unusual ingredient—bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue found inside bones, typically used in savory dishes. It’s a staple in various cultures and is known for its rich, umami flavor. However, the idea of incorporating it into a sweet dessert was a bold move that raised many eyebrows.
This flavor was born out of Salt & Straw’s obsession with combining sweet and savory elements in new and exciting ways. Bone marrow was chosen because of its deep, earthy flavor and smooth texture. The rich fat content of the marrow provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while its natural flavors complement the creaminess of ice cream.
What Is Bone Marrow?
Before diving deeper into the flavor, let’s take a moment to understand what bone marrow is and why it’s considered a delicacy. Bone marrow has been used in cooking for centuries, especially in European and Asian cuisines. It’s often roasted, used in soups, stews, and sauces, or even spread on toast.
The bone marrow is primarily composed of fat and collagen, giving it a creamy consistency and a delicate, slightly gamey taste. When roasted, it becomes rich and savory, almost buttery. The idea of pairing this ingredient with a sweet ice cream base might seem strange, but it’s precisely this contrast that makes the Bone Marrow Ice Cream unique.
The Process of Making Bone Marrow Ice Cream
Creating Bone Marrow Ice Cream requires skill and creativity. The process begins by rendering the bone marrow, which involves gently heating the marrow to extract its fat. This rendered fat is then carefully incorporated into the ice cream base, ensuring that the richness of the marrow blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. It’s a delicate process because the bone marrow must not overpower the other flavors.
The ice cream itself is made using high-quality dairy, including cream, milk, and sugar. However, the addition of bone marrow adds an extra level of indulgence. The texture of the ice cream is luxurious and velvety, with the marrow’s richness providing an extra layer of smoothness.
Salt & Straw also adds a touch of salt to the mix, which enhances the savory aspect of the bone marrow while balancing the sweetness of the ice cream. The combination of salt, fat, and sugar creates a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
Flavor Profile: A Savory and Sweet Symphony
The most exciting aspect of Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream is its flavor. On the surface, it may sound odd to combine a savory ingredient like bone marrow with the sweetness of ice cream. But that’s what makes it so interesting. The bone marrow adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the cream and sugar, creating a symphony of flavors that is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted in an ice cream cone.
At first, you might notice the creamy, buttery richness of the marrow. It’s smooth and slightly fatty, but not greasy. As you continue to savor the ice cream, a subtle umami note begins to emerge. The savory flavors of the bone marrow are gentle but present, giving the ice cream a unique depth. The saltiness of the marrow is balanced by the sweetness of the cream, creating a flavor that is both unexpected and delicious.
The texture of the ice cream is another aspect that sets it apart. The bone marrow contributes to a mouthfeel that is extra smooth and luxurious. It’s thick but not heavy, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to describe. The richness of the marrow provides a satisfying contrast to the usual lightness of ice cream.
Who Would Enjoy Bone Marrow Ice Cream?
Bone Marrow Ice Cream is definitely not for everyone. Its unique flavor and combination of sweet and savory elements will appeal to adventurous eaters and those who enjoy trying new and unusual foods. If you’re the type of person who enjoys experimenting with bold flavors and textures, then this ice cream is worth a try.
Fans of savory desserts or those who appreciate the umami taste in food are likely to enjoy the Bone Marrow Ice Cream. It’s a perfect treat for people who are not afraid to step outside of the traditional boundaries of what dessert can be.
However, if you’re a fan of classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, this might not be the ice cream for you. Bone Marrow Ice Cream challenges your taste buds in ways that go beyond the usual dessert experience.
Why Is Bone Marrow Ice Cream So Popular?
Despite its unusual ingredients, Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream has garnered a lot of attention and praise. But why has it become such a popular item?
One reason is the growing trend of culinary experimentation. People are increasingly open to trying new and unconventional foods, especially when it comes to desserts. Salt & Straw has tapped into this desire for bold, creative flavors, and Bone Marrow Ice Cream is the perfect example of their willingness to take risks.
Another reason for its popularity is the connection to nostalgia. For some, bone marrow might evoke memories of traditional family meals or hearty dishes. By pairing this ingredient with ice cream, Salt & Straw creates a bridge between the savory and sweet worlds, bringing together familiar tastes in an unexpected form.
Lastly, the popularity of Bone Marrow Ice Cream is partly due to its status as a novelty. It’s a conversation starter, something that piques curiosity and encourages people to try something outside their comfort zone. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s a flavor that people remember and talk about long after they’ve finished their cone.
Where to Find Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream
If you’re curious to try Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream, you’ll find it at many of the brand’s locations across the United States. The company has expanded to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, and it offers its seasonal flavors both in-store and online. Salt & Straw also ships ice cream nationwide, so even if you don’t live near a store, you can still enjoy this unique flavor at home.
The Bone Marrow flavor may not always be available year-round, as it’s typically part of a seasonal or limited-time collection. However, Salt & Straw frequently rotates its flavors, so it’s always worth checking in to see if this bold creation is back on the menu.
Conclusion
Salt & Straw’s Bone Marrow Ice Cream is a bold and unforgettable creation. It challenges the norms of what ice cream can be, offering a savory-sweet experience that pushes the boundaries of flavor and texture. While it may not be for everyone, it’s undoubtedly a reflection of the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
For those who are willing to take the plunge, the Bone Marrow ice cream is an exciting and unique treat. Its rich, buttery texture and complex flavor profile make it a standout in Salt & Straw’s already impressive lineup of inventive flavors. So, is Bone Marrow Ice Cream worth the hype? If you’re an adventurous eater who loves to explore new taste sensations, then the answer is a resounding yes.
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