Ice cubes

Description

Ice cubes are an odorless and tasteless ingredient with a clear or slightly cloudy structure, usually in a regular cube shape. Their visual clarity depends on the quality of the water and the freezing method, and melting adds subtle moisture to dishes and drinks without altering the flavor. Nutritionally, ice cubes provide no calories, fats, proteins, or carbohydrates, but they support hydration, cool down, can soothe a sore throat, and serve as a cold compress for injuries. In the kitchen, ice cubes are indispensable for cooling drinks, cocktails, ice creams, frozen smoothies, shocking vegetables after blanching, and cooling soups and sauces. To achieve a cleaner taste and appearance, it is advisable to use filtered water and freeze in airtight containers that prevent the absorption of odors from the freezer. It is best to avoid refreezing thawed cubes and to regularly replace ice trays or containers.