Journalism of Courage
Some call it humble,others find it plain boring. Yet,the versatility of vanilla ice-cream has kept it in the race despite the entry of multiple flavours and brands
Vanilla,chocolate or butterscotch? Ice-cream lovers hardly reminisce the simpler times when these were the standard flavours across all stores and restaurants. With international brands flooding the world of gourmet,these have been replaced by the more exotic variety such as kiwi,blueberry cheesecake and chocolate truffle. This has jeopardised the position of the humble vanilla ice-cream as the favourite scoop.
Indeed,when single scoops of ice-cream cost anywhere between Rs 65 and Rs 130,one isnt about to splurge on a flavour they can very well purchase for Rs 15 at their local grocer. While many have now dismissed vanilla as passe,the flavour is still fighting hard,and winning too,to stay ahead of the game.
Vanilla is the mother of all flavours, says Dunwani Laachhu,proprietor of Duns dairy that manufactures more than 100 litres of vanilla ice-cream daily to supply to Ladies Club,Corinthians Club,Poona Club and the like. Since it is milky white,and has a basic flavour,you can top it with anything from chocolate sauce to strawberries or dry fruits. It is a natural flavour,may be a favourite of a few,but it is definitely liked by all, he adds.
Richa Sinha,head of beverages at Cafe Coffee Day,India,isnt surprised. The brand,with branches all over the country,uses vanilla ice-cream as an ingredient and an add-on in six of its milkshakes and as a side to several desserts on the menu. Vanilla is the first choice when people ask for an add-on to their cold coffee, says Sinha. It has a neutral flavour so it doesnt overpower the aroma of the coffee and also complements various smoothies.
This simple flavour of ice-cream is also a preferred ingredient in multi-layer desserts. It may have lost its appeal in the original form as peoples palates are getting accustomed to newer varieties,but the flavour finds an unusual supporter in a few international brands of ice-creams. Both
Haagen Dazs and Movenpick take great pride in their authentic vanilla ice-cream with real vanilla and often suggest it to their customers. But until Indians rediscover the humble flavour,this non-intrusive yet enhancing vanilla will continue to adapt and survive.
