I scream, you scream, we all scream for locally made camel milk ice cream

Thursday, Aug 10, 2006

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: To all those who love ice cream but are concerned about the extra pounds they might gain, worry no more.

A new, healthy summer snack has hit the local market for the first time: camel milk ice cream.

One of the leading dairy firms in the UAE has introduced the country's first natural low fat ice cream made from camel milk.

Al Ain Dairy launched the new product which is set to be a healthy alternative for people with a sweet tooth to satisfy their craving.

Enzo La Blunda, an Italian chef and ice cream specialist, according to the company, is supervising the manufacturing process "to ensure that each pack of camel milk ice cream has passed the quality standards of the firm."

"With the introduction of camel milk ice cream, people will get to enjoy not only the healthy benefits of camel milk but the creamy goodness of ice cream as well," a statement from the dairy said.

"Children who are allergic to products made from cow's milk can now enjoy the taste of ice cream. Camel milk ice cream is also safe for people who are suffering from lactose intolerance," it added.

Gulf News asked a cross-section of residents for their opinion on the new product. Nancy Brown, 23, from Australia, said the camel milk ice cream could become very successful.

"Imagine you can eat as much ice cream as you want without gaining weight. I'm sure this product will sell. However, I've never tasted camel milk before. I hope it doesn't taste bad," she said.

Joelle Pyroux, from France, had a bad experience with camel milk.

"I've tasted it and it was weird, but I hope the ice cream version will taste better," she said.

Adham Nasser, a 28-year-old salesman from Jordan, said the idea of camel milk ice cream "sounds very delicious".

"I love to drink camel milk. It's very healthy and light and I have heard it protects against cancer. Camel milk ice cream sounds even better. It's a good and healthy way of beating the summer heat."

Vitamin C found in camel milk is about three times more than in fresh cow's milk.

Weight watchers will enjoy the ice cream since the fat content of camel milk ice cream is a maximum of 2.5 per cent, according to Al Ain Dairy.

Normal cow milk ice cream contains between 6 and 9 per cent fat.

The new product is produced in three flavours: strawberry, caramel and chocolate.

It comes in 100g and 350g packs.