sampaguita ice cream recipe

Have you ever heard of Sampaguita ice cream? This recipe is a delicious blend of Filipino tradition and modern dessert magic! “sampaguita” refers to the beautifully fragrant jasmine flower, symbolizing purity and simplicity in Filipino culture. In a Sampaguita ice cream recipe, the essence of this flower shines through, often complemented by sweet almond and vanilla notes. It’s a cool treat that locals love, and anyone curious about Filipino flavors will want to try it.

The Story Behind Sampaguita

So, what exactly is Sampaguita? Known scientifically as Jasminum sambac, the Sampaguita is a small, white flower famous for its captivating aroma. It is special in Filipino culture and is often used in garlands, ceremonies, and religious offerings to symbolize purity and devotion. This fragrant flower brings a subtle, floral flavor to desserts, making it the perfect star ingredient in a Sampaguita ice cream recipe.

Why Sampaguita Ice Cream Matters in Filipino Culture

Sampaguita isn’t just a flower in the Philippines, it represents love, loyalty, and deep devotion. It’s common to see sampaguita in wedding ceremonies and other special occasions, symbolizing pure love and strong bonds. With a Sampaguita ice cream recipe, this unique dessert becomes more than just a treat; it celebrates Filipino heritage and tradition in every bite.

sampaguita ice cream recipe Ingredients

To make this Sampaguita ice cream recipe, you'll need simple ingredients to bring out that floral, creamy flavor. Here's everything you'll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream: Adds richness and creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk: Balance out the cream for the perfect scoop.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens up the mix just right.
• 1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Enhances the floral notes with a hint of nuttiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and complements the Sampaguita flavor.
• 2 tablespoons dried sampaguita flowers (or jasmine flowers): The show's star, bringing that subtle, fragrant floral taste.
• A pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance the flavors.

Optional Ingredients for Variations

• ½ cup lychee puree: Adds extra sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor.
• For a little crunch in every bite, chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios).
• Fresh jasmine flowers: Perfect for a stunning garnish that impresses your guests.

sampaguita ice cream Nutritional information

A single serving of Sampaguita ice cream contains approximately 250 calories, with around 18 grams of fat, mainly from the heavy cream and milk, providing that rich, creamy texture. The recipe has about 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the granulated sugar, which sweetens the ice cream and enhances the floral flavor. There are around 3 grams of protein per serving, which the dairy ingredients contribute.

Additionally, this ice cream provides about 60 mg of calcium per serving, supporting bone health. The almond and vanilla extracts add minimal calories but contribute flavor depth. Optional toppings like lychee puree or nuts can increase calories and sugars slightly, so adjust based on your preferences. This Sampaguita ice cream recipe is a delightful treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

sampaguita ice cream recipe Health Benefits

Sampaguita, also known as Philippine jasmine, is renowned for its aromatic white flowers and is traditionally used in various cultural and medicinal contexts. Incorporating Sampaguita into culinary creations like ice cream introduces a unique floral flavor and potential health benefits. The flowers are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may support overall health. Netmeds

The base of Sampaguita ice cream typically includes dairy ingredients such as milk and cream, which are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system. However, due to their sugar and fat content, it's important to consume such desserts in moderation. PBS

Additionally, the aroma of Sampaguita has been associated with stress relief and mood enhancement. The aromatherapeutic properties of jasmine species, including sampaguita, are known to promote relaxation and may help alleviate anxiety. This sensory benefit can enhance the overall experience of enjoying Sampaguita treats. WebMD

While sampaguita ice cream offers a delightful and exotic flavor profile, portion sizes must be considered. Balancing indulgent desserts with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains ensures a comprehensive intake of necessary nutrients, contributing to overall well-being.

Sampaguita ice cream recipe Healthier Ingredient

Here are some healthier ingredient options for sampaguita ice cream and their replacements:

1. Coconut Cream for Heavy Cream: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream to reduce saturated fat from dairy. Coconut cream still provides a rich, creamy texture while adding a subtle tropical flavor that pairs well with Sampaguita.
2. Honey or Maple Syrup for Granulated Sugar: Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. These options are lower on the glycemic index, providing a slower release of energy, and they bring a touch of unique flavor.
3. Almond Milk for Whole Milk: Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a lower-calorie, dairy-free option. Almond milk is also lower in fat and blends well with the other ingredients for a creamy texture.
4. Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener for Granulated Sugar: Try stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative. Both are natural, plant-based options that sweeten without impacting blood sugar levels as much as sugar.
5. Chia Seeds for Thicker Texture: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to make the ice cream slightly thicker while adding fiber and omega-3s. These work especially well if you substitute lighter ingredients like almond milk or coconut cream.

These healthier ingredient swaps maintain the flavor and creamy texture of Sampaguita ice cream while making it a bit more nutritious and suitable for various dietary needs.

Equipment needed for the sampaguita ice cream recipe

Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need to make sampaguita ice cream:

1. Saucepan: For heating and infusing the cream, milk, sugar, and sampaguita flowers.
2. Fine Mesh Sieve: To strain out the sampaguita flowers from the infused cream, ensuring a smooth ice cream base.
3. Large Mixing Bowl: Staining the mixture and combining the base ingredients with flavorings like almond and vanilla extracts is needed.
4. Plastic Wrap: Cover the bowl while chilling the mixture in the refrigerator, keeping the base fresh and free from absorbing any fridge odors.
5. Ice Cream Maker: Essential for churning the ice cream into a soft-serve consistency. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions for the best results.
6. Airtight Container: This is used to store the churned ice cream in the freezer, allowing it to firm up to the perfect scoopable consistency.
7. Spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients, scraping the mixture, and transferring the ice cream to the container without waste.

sampaguita ice cream recipe Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Infuse the Cream: Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and dried Sampaguita flowers in a saucepan. Gently heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture warms without boiling. This step helps release the Sampaguita’s floral aroma.
2. Let it Steep: Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes to infuse the delicate flavor.
3. Strain the Mixture: Pour the infused mixture through a fine sieve to remove the flowers, leaving a smooth, floral base.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in almond and vanilla extracts with a pinch of salt to enhance the floral notes with a nutty depth.

Churning the Ice Cream

1. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled; this ensures a smoother texture when churning.
2. Churn: Pour the cold mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
3. Freeze: Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 4 hours or until firm. This final freeze makes your ice cream scoopable and ready to enjoy!

Creative ways to serve the sampaguita ice cream

• Floral Ice Cream Sandwich: Scoop sampaguita ice cream between two delicate shortbread cookies or almond-flavored wafers for a floral-inspired ice cream sandwich. The cookies add a pleasant crunch, perfectly complementing the smooth, floral ice cream.
• Tropical Sundae: Top a scoop of Sampaguita ice cream with fresh lychee, mango chunks, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Drizzle with honey for a refreshing tropical twist that highlights the floral notes.
• Edible Flower Garnish: Serve scoops of ice cream in a bowl or waffle cone and garnish with fresh edible jasmine or sampaguita flowers for a stunning presentation. This simple yet elegant touch celebrates the floral theme and makes the dessert visually captivating.
• Ice Cream Affogato: For a unique twist, pour a shot of jasmine tea or lightly sweetened almond milk over a scoop of Sampaguita ice cream. This floral affogato melts the ice cream slightly, creating a creamy, aromatic treat with contrasting textures.
• Layered Parfait: Create a parfait by layering sampaguita ice cream with coconut or almond yoghurt, lychee or berry compote, and crunchy granola. This layered dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What to serve with the sampaguita ice cream

• Crisp Almond Biscotti: The light crunch of almond biscotti pairs beautifully with the smooth texture of Sampaguita ice cream, adding a nutty contrast that enhances the floral and almond flavors in the dessert.
• Fresh Tropical Fruit: Serve with sliced tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or lychee. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit complement the ice cream's floral notes, making for a refreshing pairing.
• Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: A warm cup of green or jasmine tea alongside sampaguita ice cream creates a soothing contrast, balancing the cold, creamy texture with warm, aromatic sips.
• Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, coconut-based treats add a sweet and slightly crispy texture to each bite, while the coconut flavor complements the sampaguita's floral undertones perfectly.
• Shortbread Cookies: Simple buttery shortbread cookies are an ideal companion to Sampaguita ice cream. Their mild flavor lets the ice cream's unique floral notes shine and adds a delicate crunch.

Storing sampaguita ice cream

Here’s how to store your sampaguita ice cream to keep it fresh and flavorful:

1. Freezing: After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. For the best results, press a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps the texture smooth.
2. Storage Duration: Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1–2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. However, it can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. After that, it may develop ice crystals and lose some creaminess.
3. Serving: When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping easier and allows the flavors, especially the delicate Sampaguita aroma, to shine.