Ice

In the Middle Ages, natural sediments, which turned into a solid state of aggregation, were considered of great value. Sawed pieces of frozen snow, hoarfrost or rain helped preserve food, if used properly, did not melt in summer, despite the fact that they were harvested in winter. Huge blocks were brought from the mountains or cut down on frozen lakes and rivers. The mined pieces were lowered into deep cellars, designed to save food supplies.

The first product to retain its freshness thanks to ice was fish. The idea of transporting perishable goods belonged to an Englishman. A little later, a great discovery enriched this enterprising person.

Over time, the extraction of the natural mineral was stopped. It was replaced by a specially cleaned and prepared by the production plant substitute. With the help of a technological novelty, cafes☕️ and bars began to cool a variety of drinks, and McDonald’s restaurants began to use the product for commercial purposes. All establishments of the American corporation were equipped with appropriate production facilities. The innovation was of great economic importance, since the transparent element of the decor increased sales revenues. An interesting ingredient began to complement strong alcohol.

Today’s retail chains are engaged not only in the sale of multifunctional goods, but also in their delivery. Delivery of orders is carried out by specialized companies or courier services. Companies are inventing new ways to promote their products and are actively expanding their existing sales range. Among the wide variety of options, multi-colored products, supplemented with fruits, sugar syrup, berries and fresh mint leaves attract increased attention. Solid coffee, tea or juice is very popular.

The positive or negative characteristics of any product depend on the quality of the source material. The existing products on the market meet technological standards and are absolutely safe.

✅ Multi-colored figures for quenching thirst are obtained from natural fruit and vegetable juices and tonic substances. Bright mixtures perfectly quench thirst and serve as an attractive decoration for various dishes.

✅ The positive qualities of herbal decoctions are manifested in cosmetic properties. During home care, the face is wiped with a therapeutic tonic. A useful procedure improves the condition of the epidermis and changes in the structure of wrinkles.

✅ Modern nutritionists recommend drinking melted water before breakfast to wake up the body, increase its protective properties, improve metabolism and start the breakdown of fats.

❌ Cold cubes are contraindicated in chronic tonsillitis and thin tooth enamel, as they can provoke acute inflammation of the tonsils or active destruction of the coating of the teeth.

•  Refreshing base, which has gone through several stages of cleaning, does not have any taste.
• Bright fruit and vegetable mixtures give a light sweet and sour shade.
• Crystal clear versions based on mineral water are characterized by a feeling of natural coolness.
• Frozen coffee has a slight bitterness and a hint of pleasant acidity.
• Solid portions of tea, depending on the varieties used, have a tart, astringent or invigorating taste, complemented by a fruity, chocolate or floral tint.

The type of product affects the way it is used. Scientists note the existence of several structural modifications that perform certain functions.

?Cubes are most often used for a variety of drinks. Each single element weighs no more than 60 grams, has a solid structure. The presence of a dense ingredient maintains the necessary temperature parameters of the dish, preserves its natural basis, and adds a touch of aesthetics to the overall picture of food perception. Crystals of the same shape are used in restaurant serving white wines and snacks that require prolonged cooling.

?Trapezoids, resembling the shape of truncated pyramids, are considered a subspecies of cubes. Their functions are similar. With the help of such an additional inclusion, the temperature of simple and multi-component drinks is actively reduced. The modest size and weight of the ingredient significantly increases the rate of decrease in the overall temperature of the liquid.

?Finger variant is made in the form of hollow cylinders. The free space in the middle of the oblong sticks contributes to the maximum contact of the refreshing substance with the contents of the glass and its accelerated cooling. Cylinders are added to cocktails, which are mixed in shakers and blenders. Delicate crystals help to qualitatively combine ingredients with each other and do not damage professional equipment.

?Granules are small crumbs. Each hailstone is less than one centimeter long. The crumbly structure of the ice blocks prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain the required temperature of the dish. Smooth edges ensure gentle cooling. The crumbs are used when taking out light wines, serving buffet food, placing meat or fish products on display cases, while working with dough in bakeries.

?Chipped version exists in the form of shapeless pieces. Larger pieces of ice are used when demonstrating goods at exhibitions and counters of meat or fish departments. Very fine chips are suitable for mixing cocktails and drinks. The ingredient melts quickly, instantly cools the liquid, softens its taste. Chipped crumbs are used for flasks, which are drunk through a straw.

?Scaly product has the form of small plates. This is the coldest and driest variety of crystals. The plates provide the maximum contact area of the additive with food, instantly reduce the temperature of the dish or snack, and maintain the required degree of cooling for quite a long time. Flake filler is used in meat, fish and confectionery shops, in the design of shop windows in shopping centers and when serving certain dishes in public catering places.

The recommended amount of ice per serving of drinking liquid is one third of its weight. Cubes perfectly complement black or green tea, brewed or instant coffee, refreshing cups, noble drinks, beer, fruit or berry juices. An additional ingredient reduces the strength and saturation of alcohol, but retains its true taste.

?Regular or granular pieces are mixed into minced meat for chopped cutlets, Tatar chebureks and dumplings. Melt water turns the meat into a porous, juicy, tender and airy structure. In addition, fine granules improve the quality of unleavened dough and fruit mousses. Thanks to the universal filler, classic flour products get mouth-watering bubbles on the surface when deep-fried.

?Small chips are combined with fruit syrups. In summer, this combination helps to eliminate strong thirst.

?There is another kind of cooling product – fried ice. He very quickly saves from the sultry heat. The method of preparing an interesting dessert is quite simple. First, the base is frozen along with pieces of colorful fruits. The egg white is then beaten and formed into a small round meringue. Put a piece of ice into a neat ball. The resulting structure is poured with cognac and set on fire. The alcohol burns out quickly, leaving toasted meringue with a whole chunk of ice in the middle. The use of such cool splendor can give a lot of positive emotions.

?To obtain clear ice from ordinary water at home, the initial liquid is subjected to preliminary boiling.

There is an opinion that too frozen ice does not cool drinks well. This means that for a high-quality result, an element of bartending art must be left on the table for a short time before use. Ideally cool and retain the original structure of drinks melted portions of liquid with a temperature of about 0˚C. In addition, in this form they are easily removed from the mold.

It is recommended to freeze water or other refreshing liquid immediately before use. If necessary, forms with ready-made fillers are stored for no more than a year in the freezer. The cubes are placed in a sealed bag to prevent possible absorption of foreign odors.