5 Local Fruits Perfect for Ice Cream

This summer, eat native.

Tennessee has a wealth of native fruits to enjoy with the season. Even better: this native produce can be made into or added to ice cream. Here are 5 fruits from Tennessee to help you cool down this summer.

 

1.   Elderberry Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream

Elderberries are one of the most common types of berries in Tennessee. They’re known for their distinctive red stems and beady, dark berries.

These berries are not only abundant, but they also make great syrup. This syrup is healthier for you than what you might find in the aisle. As a bonus, many people use elderberry to support their immune system!

To make this syrup, you don’t need much more than a fine muslin cloth or jelly bag for straining.

You can add ginger, honey and cinnamon to your syrup for additional flavor. Boil and simmer these added ingredients with your elderberries.

And before you know it…

You’ll have delicious syrup that pairs perfect with a bowl of ice cream!

 

2.   How Can I use Pawpaws?

Pawpaw, also known as custard apple, is the best fruit you’ve never heard of. And their custardy flavor makes them perfect for ice cream.

Native to Tennessee, pawpaws are a delicious semi-tropical treat. They’re described as having a sunny, bold flavor. Some describe it as a cross between a mango and a banana.

Pawpaw ice cream is a delicious, uniquely American beloved by past generations. Prepared just like any homemade ice cream, its tropical flavors make for the perfect summer treat.

 

3.   Crabapple Syrup

The crabapple is mother nature’s twist on sweet, then sour. Crabapples are slightly smaller than your typical apple and can be found at commercial orchards. They’re known for their crisp texture and a tasty, tarty twist.

Syrup is a popular treat made with crabapples. Because the fruit contains a lot of natural pectin, you don’t have to add it to thicken up the syrup. You can add other kinds of berries to create a variety of delicious flavors with the crabapple base.

This syrup pairs wonderfully with ice cream and sorbets. The best part? It’s local.

 

4.   Raspberry Ice Cream

Raspberries are popular at any time of year. But you might not have known they’re native to Tennessee.

The raspberries native to Tennessee are most often black raspberries. They have the sweetness of a red raspberry, and the tartness of a blackberry. This means they can make delicious ice cream.

Black raspberry ice cream is a rich, creamy treat to keep you cool over the summer. It also has a gorgeous, summery color.

 

5.   Mulberry Syrup

Red mulberries are native to Tennessee. At first glance, they might remind you of a blackberry. These berries make a syrup fantastic for spooning over ice cream.

Mulberry syrup can last up to two months in the fridge, meaning it can last you all summer long.

 

These native fruits can be made into delicious summer treats to keep you cool in the heat. They’re also a wonderful way to eat local!