As temperatures are still set to rise this summer people around Derby could face a problem cooling off as experts predict a vanilla ice-cream shortage, with the chance that UK could even run out of this traditional summer treat.
Local dessert artisans at Heavenly Desserts on London Rd have, however, given the region hope with a commitment from its suppliers to keep its vanilla gelato on the menu.
We Brits love our ice cream, it has always been synonymous to the British summer since the early 1900’s, yet today this sweet treat is facing disaster as the cost of vanilla pods erupt with some suppliers already running out. But residents of Derby don’t need to worry as Heavenly Desserts café on London Rd will be able to continue its dishes including its Madagascan Vanilla Gelato through summer.
Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after Saffron, with more than seventy five percent of the worlds reserve coming from the vanilla fields of Madagascar, the island where vanilla is a true labour of love. Plantations are run by third and fourth generation farmers where every farm pollinates up to 2,000 flowers per day by hand.
Richard Bates, the Derby store manager of Heavenly Desserts says; “We guarantee the best of the best for our customers and as our desserts are made with love. It takes up to 3 years to mature the sweet creamy luxurious flavour you get from Madagascan vanilla which in our opinion, can’t be imitated.”
Whilst there are many flavours of ice cream around today, vanilla is often a top choice and, although there are regional favourites across the UK, research form The Ice Cream Alliance placed Vanilla as the nation’s number one.
The recent shortage of ice cream prediction has been caused by poor harvests in recent years and Cyclone Enowa hitting the island of Madagascar in March this year, almost 95% of the regions crops have been wiped out.
Yousif Aslam, Heavenly Desserts managing director, added; “Although there is the possibility of a national shortage, we can confidently say won’t be running out of vanilla this summer, but for those thinking of a change, we have plenty more flavours to try out.”
With Madagascan vanilla potentially becoming a rare luxury in the UK, we may be forced to go in another flavour direction, so what will it be the nation’s choice . . . Cookies and Cream, Belgian Chocolate or pistachio?
To find out more about Heavenly Desserts visit www.heavenlydesserts.co or visit the Derby store located on London Rd.
