There's nothing better than going to the beach or the park with a cooler full of goodies. If the day is hot, it's a good idea to bring ice cream, but how do you keep it from melting? Follow these tips to make ice cream last longer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using dry ice
Step 1. Buy from 4 to 9 kg for a 40 liter cooler.
You can find dry ice very cheap at the supermarket. The product evaporates at a rate of 2 to 4 kg per day, so if you buy in advance, there won't be any left.
- Dry ice usually comes in 25 x 5 cm blocks and weighs approximately 5 kg. You will need one block for every 35 cm of cooler length.
- You can do it at home by spraying a CO2 fire extinguisher on a pillowcase for two to three seconds. Wear gloves, closed shoes and goggles.
Step 2. Choose a cool box with an air vent
As dry ice creates steam, the box must have an opening or valve that allows air to escape. If completely closed, steam will lead to pressure build-up, which can cause an explosion.
- In the absence of the valve, leave the box lid slightly open.
- Plastic or Styrofoam bins are common options for storing dry ice.
Step 3. Wear thick gloves to handle it
The product can “burn” your hands – at temperatures of -80 °C, burns can be much more severe. In any case, do not let unprotected skin come into contact with the block of dry ice when removing the ice cream from the cooler!
Step 4. Place the ice cream in the bottom of the box
As cold air descends, dry ice works best when it is placed on top of items that need to be chilled. If possible, place yours on top of the other items in the cooler.
Step 5. Wrap it in a towel and place it in the box
This creates thermal insulation and keeps the product cold longer, as well as protecting any item from damage.
Step 6. Keep drinks and other snacks in another cooler so they don't freeze
Dry ice is very potent and can freeze anything underneath. Therefore, avoid freezing drinks and snacks by placing them in another cooler. Separation also extends product life.
Step 7. Fill all the extra space in the box
Empty space accelerates the evaporation of dry ice. If you don't have enough food to put in the cooler, fill it with regular ice or use other materials such as towels or crumpled newspaper. Or buy more ice cream!
Close the lid tightly after filling the box
Step 8. Place the cooler in the trunk of the car if you are taking the ice cream on the road
As dry ice evaporates, it converts to carbon dioxide. In small, closed places, such as a vehicle, accumulation of the substance can cause dizziness and fainting.
If there's no room in the trunk, open your car windows or set the air conditioner to circulate fresh air outside
Step 9. Keep the box out of direct sunlight
Dry ice will stay cold longer if left in the shade.
Step 10. Leave it at room temperature when you are finished using it
It's pretty easy to clean dry ice! After you finish the ice cream, open the cooler and leave it in a well-ventilated place. The block will convert to carbon dioxide and dissipate into air.
Never throw the product into the sewer, sink, toilet or trash, as it can freeze and break the pipes and even cause an explosion if it expands quickly
Method 2 of 2: Using regular ice
Step 1. Choose a high quality cool box
Not all are the same! Different brands use their own thermal insulation methods. A quality box will prevent ice cream from melting more efficiently than a Styrofoam box.
Step 2. Cool the box before filling it
It is not recommended to put ice cream in a hot cooler. Leave it indoors to cool down a bit. If necessary, add a bucket of ice inside the box to help it cool down more quickly. When you're ready to insert the ice cream, throw the ice away and place it with a fresh batch of ice.
Step 3. Place the ice cream in the bottom of the box
Background items will remain cooler. Those that don't need to be frozen can be placed on top. Do not take anything hot in the cooler with the ice cream, as the dessert needs to be as cold as possible!
Step 4. Freeze a large block of ice to allow it to melt more slowly
Use a large ovenproof dish or casserole dish to create a larger block of ice. The bigger it is, the longer it will freeze – and the longer it will take for the ice cream to melt!
Step 5. Add a layer of coarse salt
This type of salt slows down the melting of ice. In fact, it was also used to make old ice cream. Place one or two handfuls directly on the ice.
Step 6. Place ice cream in cooler bags inside the box to create more insulation
These bags are often used in supermarkets for foods that need to maintain a certain temperature. Try putting the ice cream container inside one of them and insert it into the box, leaving it surrounded by ice.
Step 7. Fill any empty space
This space will make the ice melt faster in the box. If necessary, add some towels to fill in the gaps.
Step 8. Keep the box tightly closed
The more you open it, the faster the ice will melt. Leave the drinks in another cooler as people need to pick them up more often.
Step 9. Try to place the box away from direct sunlight
It can be difficult if it's in a place without shade, but try placing it behind a chair or under an umbrella to keep the contents cool.
Notices
- Always store dry ice in a well-ventilated location.
- Wear gloves to handle it.
- Keep it out of reach of children and animals.
- Never swallow dry ice.