How ice cream was made in Mallorca 200 years ago
Eating ice cream is commonplace today, but in Mallorca 200 years ago it was not. Obtaining ice and making ice cream was quite a challenge, as there were no fridges or freezers – at least not as we know them today.
History of ice cream
As with so many other things, it was probably the Arabs who introduced the custom of making ice cream to Europe. We are talking about the 8th or 9th century AD, and, coming from very hot regions, they knew the best way to cool down by mixing fruit juices, sugar or honey with ice from the mountains. The Arabs ruled Sicily, and it is very likely that this delicious tradition spread from there to the Italian peninsula and from there to the rest of Europe.
How was ice obtained in Mallorca?
The “Nevaters”
In Mallorca, there was also ice cream and ice for various uses… How was this possible? Well, thanks to the dedication of a group of people, the “Nevaters”, a trade that has now disappeared.
Apparently, as far back as the 14th century, there was a tradition in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains of using natural cavities to build “casas de neu”.
When it snowed during the winter months, the workers would climb the mountain and, using shovels, buckets, baskets and whatever else was to hand, they would collect as much snow as possible and store it in the “casa de neu”. The snow was trampled down vigorously until it turned to ice, and once the house was full, it was covered to ensure the cold was retained for as long as possible over the months.
In spring and summer, they would climb the mountain again, collect the blocks of ice and, as quickly as possible, take them to Palma, sometimes even at night to avoid the heat.
Snow, an industry
This ‘white gold’ was a thriving industry in the Serra de Tramuntana, and as many as 42 of these snow storage structures have been recorded. This activity continued until the 1920s, when an ice factory was set up in Inca to supply the whole island.
How was ice cream made in Mallorca in the old days?
Well, with the ingredients that were most readily available: ice, milk, almonds and fresh fruit, mixed in just the right proportions. In centuries past, this was a luxury, available only to the wealthiest, as obtaining ice was difficult and expensive. But today you can enjoy a traditional ice cream at a venue established as far back as 1700, the famous Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, a veritable institution in Palma.
The tradition of ice cream is part of Mallorca’s rich culinary heritage, based on simple, high-quality ingredients. If you’d like to discover other authentic flavours of the island, why not explore our traditional Mallorcan products? Visit our online-shop. You will find the most beloved foodstuffs. The Mediterranean diet is within your reach. Why not give it a go?
