Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

Liquid nitrogen ice cream takes the same ingredients normally used to make ice cream, but is frozen using liquid nitrogen instead of chilling in the freezer. The nitrogen is cold enough to freeze the ingredients in minutes, for an instant treat. Handling the nitrogen requires some basic safety precautions, but making liquid nitrogen ice cream can be quick, easy and fun.

Initially, liquid nitrogen ice cream began as a classroom experiment. Teachers used the technique to get their students excited about science. With the rise of molecular gastronomy, the inclusion of science in cooking practiced by some celebrity chefs, liquid nitrogen ice cream has moved from the laboratory and into the kitchen.

Cream is the main ingredient in ice cream, as well as liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Cream is the main ingredient in ice cream, as well as liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Making liquid nitrogen ice cream begins with an ice cream recipe. Cream, sugar and flavorings are poured into a metal bowl and mixed until blended. Heavier solid pieces such as chocolate or bits of fruit can be added here, or the chef may wait to add them during the freezing process to keep them from settling to the bottom. Once the ingredients are blended, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the mixture into ice cream.

It's important to take proper safety precautions when handling liquid nitrogen.
It's important to take proper safety precautions when handling liquid nitrogen.

When handling liquid nitrogen, safety precautions are crucial. Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, -320° Fahrenheit (-196° Celsius), and exposure can be potentially harmful. Gloves and goggles are a must for anyone handling the nitrogen. A special container called a Dewar is required for safely storing and transporting the nitrogen. People unfamiliar with the chemical should seek out advice, either from the supplier or from a professional who uses liquid nitrogen regularly, for safety tips and precautions.

The chef stirs the mixture while adding a little liquid nitrogen. As it hits the bowl, billowing clouds of fog roll out for an impressive bit of theatrics. The mixture begins to chill and thicken right away. As the fog clears, more nitrogen is added, until the ice cream is completely frozen. A 5:1 ratio of nitrogen to ice cream is usually required, meaning that it takes approximately 5 liters of liquid nitrogen to make 1 liter of ice cream. As soon as the liquid nitrogen ice cream solidifies, it is ready to eat.

While most of the ingredients are available in any grocery store, liquid nitrogen is a little harder to come by. It is commonly used in a variety of industries, including welding and medicine. School laboratories are also likely to have access. For people without an obvious source, an Internet search will provide a list of local suppliers able to provide liquid nitrogen and a Dewar.

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

I'm not sure I want little kids or any kids for that matter making ice cream with liquid nitrogen as part of school experiments. The stuff is very cold and can be very dangerous when not handled properly. This is just an accident waiting to happen if you ask me.

Animandel

My kids told me about the liquid nitrogen ice cream. The name doesn't exactly make me want to rush out to the store and pick up a couple of half gallons of the stuff. Somehow the words liquid nitrogen and ice cream don't seem appropriate in the same sentence.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cream is the main ingredient in ice cream, as well as liquid nitrogen ice cream.
      By: Viorel Sima
      Cream is the main ingredient in ice cream, as well as liquid nitrogen ice cream.
    • It's important to take proper safety precautions when handling liquid nitrogen.
      By: markara
      It's important to take proper safety precautions when handling liquid nitrogen.