Grape Ice Cream at Home

Walk through almost any grocery store freezer aisle and fruit-flavored ice cream is easy to find. Strawberry, cherry, peach and raspberry are common choices. Grape, however, is much harder to come across.

Grape ice cream is possible to make, but the fruit creates several challenges that have kept it from becoming a common flavor.

One problem is water. Grapes contain a lot of it, and adding too much grape juice or puree to an ice cream base can create larger ice crystals, leaving the finished product harder and icier than traditional ice cream.

Flavor can also be an issue. Many table grapes have a relatively mild taste that can become overwhelmed by milk, cream and sugar. The familiar “purple grape” flavor found in candy and soda is also much stronger than the flavor of most fresh grapes.

Grapes are acidic as well. Adding acidic grape juice directly to dairy can sometimes cause milk or cream to separate or curdle.

Still, families can make grape ice cream at home by concentrating the fruit before adding it to the ice cream base. Concord grapes are especially well suited because of their stronger flavor.

Making Grape Ice Cream at Home

• Choose a strongly flavored grape. Concord grapes are a good option.

• Cook the grapes down to concentrate their flavor and remove some excess water.

• Strain the mixture to remove skins, seeds and other solids.

• Chill the grape mixture completely before combining it with the ice cream base.

• Gradually mix it into a cold ice cream base, being careful not to add too much liquid.

• Churn according to your ice cream maker’s instructions and freeze until firm.

• Optional: Add a small amount of food coloring for a brighter purple appearance.

Families can also experiment with different grape varieties, concentrated grape juice or grape flavoring to see how the results change.

If dairy-based grape ice cream proves difficult, grape sorbet is an easier alternative. Without milk or cream, acidity is less of a concern, and the grape flavor can remain stronger.

Homemade grape ice cream may take a little more experimentation than familiar flavors, but that is part of what makes it a fun family kitchen project. It offers a chance to make an unusual dessert while learning why one familiar fruit is so uncommon in the ice cream aisle.