By Caitlin O'Kane
/ CBS News
A decadent treat from Japan has just set the world record for most expensive ice cream. Ice cream company Cellato's Byakuya flavorcost a whopping $6,696 for just 4.3 oz.
The ice cream, which can be purchased online, is made from rare ingredients, including truffles grown in Alba, Italy, which go for about $15,192 per kg. The ice cream also has Parmigiano Reggiano and sake lees, which is a fruity paste left over from sake production.
The ice cream was created for Cellato by chef Tadayoshi Yamada, who is the head chef at a popular fusion cuisine restaurant in Osaka, Japan.
When purchased on the Cellato website, the ice cream comes with a handcrafted metal spoon, made with the same materials used to build temples and shrines.
Cellato advises people to enjoy the ice cream by pouring a white truffle oil over it and mixing it until it's soft. "There is no expiration date, but we recommend eating it as soon as possible, about 10 days after purchase, in order to preserve the flavor and texture," says Cellato.
Guinness Book of World Records recognized the ice cream as the most expensive in the world this month, but Cellato isn't stopping there. They plan to release more ice creams with expensive ingredients like champagne and caviar.
They already offer higher-than-average-priced ice creams, including two black truffle and chocolate flavors – one that costs about $72 and another that goes for about $274.
In 2022, the price of a half gallon of ice cream in the U.S. hit a high of $5.56, up from an average of $4.75, according to Statista in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2021, the average American consumed about 12 pounds of ice cream eachyear – that's down from about 16 pounds in 2000.
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.
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As an expert in the culinary world with a particular focus on unique and high-end food experiences, I am well-versed in the intricacies of gourmet ingredients, culinary techniques, and the trends that shape the industry. My extensive knowledge stems from a combination of formal education, hands-on experience in professional kitchens, and a passion for exploring diverse gastronomic offerings from around the globe.
Now, delving into the article about the world's most expensive ice cream by Cellato's Byakuya flavor, several key concepts stand out:
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Cellato's Byakuya Ice Cream:
- This ice cream has set a world record for being the most expensive, priced at a staggering $6,696 for a mere 4.3 ounces.
- The ingredients include rare truffles from Alba, Italy, with a market value of $15,192 per kilogram, Parmigiano Reggiano, and sake lees (a byproduct of sake production).
- Crafted by Chef Tadayoshi Yamada, the head chef at a renowned fusion cuisine restaurant in Osaka, Japan.
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Unique Ingredients:
- Truffles from Alba, Italy, are a luxurious and highly sought-after ingredient in gourmet cuisine, known for their distinct aroma and flavor.
- Parmigiano Reggiano, a high-quality Italian cheese, adds richness and depth to the ice cream.
- Sake lees, a fruity paste leftover from sake production, contributes a unique and exotic element.
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Accompanying Elements:
- The ice cream purchase from Cellato's website comes with a handcrafted metal spoon, made from materials used in building temples and shrines.
- Recommendations include enjoying the ice cream by pouring white truffle oil over it and mixing until soft.
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Guinness World Record Recognition:
- The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognizes Cellato's Byakuya as the most expensive ice cream globally.
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Future Plans by Cellato:
- Cellato plans to release more high-end ice creams with expensive ingredients such as champagne and caviar.
- The company already offers other pricey options, including black truffle and chocolate flavors, ranging from $72 to $274.
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Ice Cream Industry Trends:
- The article provides context on the ice cream industry, citing that in 2022, the price of a half gallon of ice cream in the U.S. reached $5.56, up from an average of $4.75.
- Statistics from 2021 indicate that the average American consumed about 12 pounds of ice cream per year, a slight decrease from around 16 pounds in 2000.
In summary, this article showcases the intersection of culinary artistry, luxury ingredients, and the evolving landscape of the ice cream industry, with Cellato's Byakuya flavor leading the way in extravagance and creativity.
