It turns out, ice crystals are a common problem in homemade ice cream, especially if you're using a low-fat milk or an ice cream maker that's not up to par. The mixture gets too cold, and the water in it starts to form ice crystals, which can be pretty hard to get rid of. But don't worry, it's not like your ice cream has cooties or anything - it's just a little...icy.
Now, you might be thinking, "But what about store-bought ice cream? Does that have ice crystals too?" Well, the answer is, it's unlikely, but not impossible. Big ice cream manufacturers have fancy machines that can churn out ice cream so smooth, it'll make your grandma's cooking look like, well, grandma's cooking. However, if you're buying a cheaper brand or a discount bin special, you might find some ice crystals lurking in there.
So, can you eat ice cream with ice crystals? The short answer is, yes, you can, but it's not going to be the most pleasant experience. The ice crystals will give the ice cream a weird texture, and it might even be a bit gritty - like eating a cold, sweet sandcastle. But hey, if you're desperate for a sweet fix, go for it - just don't say I didn't warn you.
The Mineralogy of Ice Cream
