The 2016 Olympics games are being held this year in Rio, Brazil with foreign visitors expected to exceed more than 350,000. The games are a chance for athlete’s from all over the world to compete against each other and hopefully come home with a medal or two. With August being one of the hottest months of the year and sweltering temperatures that will be in the 30 degree range, ice-cream is going to be a popular choice for many to cool down while they watch the many events at the games.
Old flavours with a new twist
You might be used to an ice-cream with sprinkles, marshmallows and hot fudge, but ever had one that was Acai-berry flavoured or made from a fruit called the Soursop? In Brazil, flavours can range from citrus and melon, pineapple and cilantro to guava and cheese, and local favourites include mango, passion fruit and cashew. Eating ice cream in Brazil is a great way to get introduced to a variety of exotic fruits including the Taperaba, which looks like a cross between a mango and a plum, the Cajarana, which is somewhat sour and has a flavour reminiscent of mixed pineapple and mango, and the Umbu, often mixed with gooseberries and plums for a totally new ice-cream experience.
For the more traditional, the Cupuacu, a rain forest fruit, related to the cacao plant brings a fresh twist to the popular chocolate ice-cream, and tastes of pear and banana, although it smells like chocolate and pineapple! Other more recognisable flavours include coconut and peanut and while many visitors will know what avocado and corn taste like this might be their first opportunity to try them as an ice-cream flavour
In Rio, there is an ice-cream stand on almost every street corner and over 150 ice cream parlours, which also serve lollies, fruit sherbets and frozen yoghurts in flavours like lychee, pomegranate and taro, with kiwi, banana and pineapple toppings.
With ice-cream’s popularity in Brazil, local brands compete with well-known international ones like Nestle, Kibon and Ben and Jerry’s.
Which flavours will be the most popular at the Olympic Games?
With so many flavours, mixtures and establishments to choose from, it is challenging to predict which ice-cream flavours will prove to be the most popular. One thing is for sure, however, having ice-cream in Brazil during the Olympic Games won’t be missed and is likely to be considered part of the adventure. At one of most popular ice-cream shops, Mil Frutas, punters can try Green Fig and Mascarpone ice-cream or Fig and Coconut water. At another, Momo Gelato, flavours include Banana and cinnamon and Lemon with basil.
With so many new choices for the competitors and spectators to choose from I wonder how many will change their favourite flavours to some of the new ones that will be on offer to them.
No matter which flavours are chosen you can be guaranteed that you will feel more refreshed and cooler once you have eaten one of the many ice creams that will be on offer!