As always, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is looking to redefine ice cream. Its newest creation? Black ice cream.
Why Black Ice Cream?
The company joined forces with artist Cj Hendry to create “a provocative exploration of color and flavor,” says the company. They wanted to explore the concept of what happens when you take the “vibrant, colorful, nostalgic experience of ice cream and rely on other senses to rethink how it should look and taste?”
The collaboration resulted in OPAQUE, a jet black ice cream made with black cocoa, espresso fudge, and balsamic cherry. It strips the traditionally vibrant ice cream experience of all color, and its creation is meant to be an edible work of art that speaks to Jeni’s roots in the art world.
OPAQUE is meant to transform a familiar treat into an “experience that prompts guests to reconsider how they contextualize ice cream.” While black ice cream may feel unfamiliar and monolithic, you’ll still experience the flavor layers within the ice cream as you eat it—just without relying on visual cues to hint at the flavor.
What Does It Taste Like?
By design, it tastes … familiar.
Ribbons of tart cherry balsamic jam (dyed black with all-natural ingredients) and creamy espresso fudge are encapsulated in rich cocoa ice cream. The flavor is undeniably familiar yet in stark contrast to its appearance.
The limited-edition flavor is currently available at all Jeni’s locations, including in Old Town Scottsdale, and for order on the company’s website. Collaborative art pieces created by Hendry in conjunction with the collaboration are available at cjendrystudio.com.
7051 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
