The following was posted a long time ago here on the Ice Cream Journal, but we’re bringing it back for one more look. Enjoy!
Jessica E. from Browns Summit, NC asks:
After the ice cream is cut in half with the big knife, does the dissected ice cream then get thrown out, or does someone get to eat it?
What a great question! I assume you are referring to the daily cutting of ice cream that is done to check the quality of the ice cream made the day before.
As each new flavor is made, someone marks the first and last “saleable” package made. Saleable would mean that they felt all the ice cream and ingredients were filling the package in proper amounts. The marked containers then travel through the blast freezer and are set aside by the palletizing crew the next day. This is the product that is tested during the “ice cream cutting” process.
It begins by evaluating the outside of the package, removing the cover, and using the double spoon method to taste the product. The package is then cut in half using a very large and sharp knife. It is then evaluated visually to make sure all the inclusions (fudge, pecans, cherries, cookies, cookie dough, etc.) are dispersed evenly. By now the ice cream is almost nearly destroyed, and is disposed of by placing it into a bin labeled “Food Grade Waste.”
But there is a happy end to this story, because the leftover ice cream isn’t just thrown away. The ice cream, along with other remnant ice cream produced that day, is accumulated, diluted with water, and tested for butterfat and total food solids. It is then sent to a nearby farm where it is blended with dry feed and fed to the ever-hungry pigs. Pretty lucky pigs!
Thanks for your question!
Ernie
Tags: ernie, turkey hill
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
It’s a pig’s life. Oh to be one of those pigs!
Of all the products that Turkey Hill produces, what is it’s most popular one and flavor? I know it’s not that intelligent question, but one I’ve been pondering for awhile.
I was hoping you would say that. We went to the Herr’s factory and they use their leftover potato chips and other food waste to feed their Angus Steer. What a great idea!
I love your ice cream!
I would love to be an ice cream taster for the company !!!!!! I live for ice cream !!!!! (and the Lord and my family!!!)
Just want to say “thank you” for the Turkey Hill ice cream samples you gave out at the PA State Farm Show! It’s great to see you supporting the dairy industry in PA ! My family and I really enjoyed the treat and look forward to it! (And the coupons are helpful too that were available, already had a calendar from Turkey Hill, thank you!
Interesting article!
I am so glad the tested TH is recycled to be pig feed. The amount of food wasted in restaurants and supermarkets is shameful with all the hunger in the world, including our own country.
Or would you rather be a pig?
Yea for recycling!
i think in my next life I’ll come back as a pig!
I envy the lucky pigs that get to eat Turkey Hill everyday!
I think that’s unfair! The Ice Cream should go back to the cows that made the main ingredient, and let them “pig out”.
Lucky pigs!
I am happy to see it go to a good use. Hubby volunteers at the local food pantry and they had a pig farmer come every Friday to pick up more than a day old bake goods which would be rocks on Monday. It seems the only thing that can eat stale bagels are the pigs and they also didn’t mind pies with a drop of mold. the farmer is now retired so they now go into the dumpster.
Glad to hear it is put to good use, and it helps the farmers with the cost of feed.
that’s why the ham’s so sweet n tasty, lol
why not. don’t need to waste it
Now I know why pigs are called pigs, but Turkey Hill Pigs are true gourmands.
okaay
Now I know what “pig out” means, a great array of all kinds of food and desserts…
I just read Emilia’s post & was thinking the same thing. We’ve gone on the Herr’s factory tour a couple of times & I love the fact that they recycle the leftovers. Leave it to Turkey Hill & Herrs’ to produce
great products and to recycle too!
Ham has always been my favorite and now I know why!
Very interesting! Good to know!
What a weird thought–my bacon might have eaten ice cream
NO wonder the piggies by your ice cream factory have smiles on their faces LOL
Glad to hear nothing is wasted, pigs turn it into milk to feed their baby piggies.
That is wonderful that the ice cream doesn’t get wasted, those pigs are very lucky. Linda
Ahhh, truly Hog Heaven!
It all about recycling!
a very interesting story and i am glad that you recycle and don’t waste, my grandmothers saying was “Waste not want not”
Who said pigs aren’t hogs, I would be if it were ice cream and especially Turkey HIll…..Maresedoates
So, interesting…and eco-friendly! Glad to know it doesn’t go to waste! Lucky pigs!
If you ever need an ice cream tester, I would like to officially apply for the job. Yes, I am willing to relocate from NY!
Just give me one of those pigs. Its meat has to be sweeter than those pigs which are just fed slop.
What about me? When it comes to Turkey Hill Ice Cream, I’m an ever-hungry pig!
That’s cool!
How I wish all companies would be like Turkey Hill and find some useful end to discarded products. You certainly have done your homework in this area.
I know dogs and cats love ice cream so just add pigs to the list. Cant do without it especially TH
I may have said this before but it needs to be said again, it is so good to see a company use their products wisely, like sending your leftovers to the pig farm. in Philly we used to sort or garbage and pig farmers used to collect the food wastes, but it is no longer a practice here. thanks for using your resoursed wisely.
Must be nice to be a pig!
Very interesting. What is the “double spoon method”?
Lucky, Lucky Pigs!!!!!!! What is the “double spoon method”?
Leftover ice cream????????????
There is no such word as left over ice cream at our house espcially if it is TH. I am still working on Ginger Snap it is so good I try to make it last. It is so good that everthing on your farm is used in one way or another. Looking forward to more interesting stories from you all.
That will make them nice and fat? Ha////
Hi everyone, I know those little pigs love the ice cream….now if they would send some my way….I would love that too. I did not think you throw the ice cream away…
A “Pigs Delight”!
using cycles is very useful
Lucky pigs indeed. So they get a daily ration of ice cream.