Science Smarts: We all scream for ice cream
By Patty Rooks on May 20, 2023.
This week, there was a “crisis” at my house. I have an avid ice cream eater and with the warmer weather here, ice cream is a “go-to” snack! In order to avert a crisis and a trip to the grocery store at such a late hour, I had to think fast. Of course, this made me think that with the amount of ice cream she is consuming perhaps she should consider making her own… and even one that is perhaps dairy free (just in case we are out of milk and cream too). We need options, right!? Let’s get started! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials – Blender – Measuring spoons – Freezer – Measuring cups – Four or five medium sized FROZEN peeled bananas – Vanilla Procedure 1. Remove the frozen bananas from the freezer and place them in the blender. 2. Measure and add 5 mL (one teaspoon) of vanilla. 3. Blend the mixture slowly and increase the speed of the blender as the chunks of banana become blended up. 4. Once you have a smooth mixture, remove and enjoy! What is going on? Bananas are an amazing fruit! When they are growing, they store their energy in the form of starch which converts to sugar as they ripen. As this happens, the enzymes in the fruit allow it to soften. When you blend this up in the blender, the combination of the high sugar content and creamy starch make it similar in texture to that sweet delicious ice cream you love! Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. We are located at: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca. 18-17
