It is the best ice cream ever. At least, according to Oprah.
In a May broadcast of the Oprah Winfrey show, the queen of the talk show – whose struggles with her weight are public knowledge – said, “This is the best ice cream I ever tasted.”
The ice cream in question is Ohio’s own Graeter’s ice cream.
Not only has Oprah jumped on the Graeter’s ice cream bandwagon, the Food Network also dipped its spoon into the ice cream pot. Ice Cream Unwrapped, aired July 7, featuring behind the scenes action of various noteworthy ice cream shops across the country – and Graeter’s made the list.
Graeter’s is not receiving all of this endorsement without reason. The shop has been producing quality ice cream and confections since 1870 when it was founded by Louis C. Graeter.
Originating in Cincinnati, Graeter’s prides itself in the time-consuming production of its ice cream. The ice cream is referred to as “French Pot” because of the vertical batch freezers used in the ice cream-making process. This technique ensures practically no air is trapped in the ice cream, compared to other brands which may have as much as 50 percent air in their mixtures.
Andrew Schutz, team leader of the Graeter’s located at 2555 Bethel Road, said the old-fashioned ice cream production contributes to “much denser ice cream with less air.”
Abbie Armitage said it is the density and the flavor of the ice cream – as well as daughter Maddie’s urgings – that keeps her a loyal customer. “We come here at least once a week,” Armitage said.
Adding to its appeal is the Graeter’s guarantee that its ice cream is made fresh daily with ingredients like vanilla beans from Madagascar, two different kinds of imported cocoa and black raspberries from the Pacific Northwest.
The Graeter’s workers make only two gallons of ice cream at a time and then hand-pack each pint and half-gallon. On average, about 2,000 pints are filled each day with some workers able to pack as many as 15 pints every minute. With as many customers each location usually receives, there is still ice cream left over at the end of the day. “We cover it with wax to keep the air away, and then we sell it the next day,” Schutz said.
Not only is the ice cream made fresh every day, the waffle cones, syrups and candies are made daily. Armitage said the waffle cones are Maddie’s favorite treat at Graeter’s. “Maddie would just buy a waffle cone if she could.”
Columbus is home to eight Graeter’s ice cream shops. Upper Arlington, Bexley, Dublin, Gahanna and Westerville are among the local locations.
The Graeter’s on Bethel is home to the production facility where the ice cream is made and shipped to the other stores. Schutz said that production begins early. “It can start as early as 5 a.m., especially during the summer.”
Summer, as hot and sticky as it can be, is the most ideal time for ice cream. As well as good quality ice cream in a plethora of flavors, such as amaretto crunch, mocha chocolate chip, and black walnut, Graeter’s offers a welcoming family environment.
The Bethel shop features a soundproof room housing an ice cream playland for kids. It also has a self-guided tour of the production facility. Patrons are allowed to view how the ice cream is made while workers make the ice cream.
Along the walls are plaques outlining the four steps to Graeter’s ice cream production: Pre-production, mixing, freezing and handpacking.
While Bethel is the only area offering a Graeter’s with a play area and tour, just enjoying the ice cream can be an event in itself. Customers choose from an assortment of milkshakes, frappes, sherbets and sundaes.
Sharon Victores, a faithful customer, said, “They have such a specialty of flavors. It is truly a treat to come here.”
Lauren Bonner, team leader at the Graeter’s located at 1534 W. Lane Ave., said even though the Lane shop is comparably smaller than Bethel’s there is still “a fair amount of business.”
The Lane Avenue shop, the closest to Ohio State campus, is often filled with customers inside and outside with a line of people waiting for their favorite Graeter’s treat.
After more than 125 years and four Graeter generations, the business is still family-owned and thriving. Using recipes over a century old, a mixture of cream, sugar and egg custard, Graeter’s continues to gain popularity with every new customer.
In choosing ice cream it seems that Oprah’s remark is not be taken lightly. Graeter’s may very well be the best ice cream ever tasted. It is a judgment to be made individually, but probably one of the most fun decisions to make.
