Forget your average scoop; the world of ice cream has reached new heights of extravagance with Cellato’s “Byakuya”, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive ice cream. This isn’t just a frozen dessert; it’s a culinary experience that comes with a jaw-dropping price tag of around $6,696 (£5,273) per serving.
What Makes it So Pricey?
The exorbitant cost of Byakuya isn’t simply a marketing ploy. It stems from the use of incredibly rare and luxurious ingredients. The key component is white truffles sourced from Alba, Italy, which can cost almost $15,200 per kilogram. These truffles provide a “sensual and unique scent” to the gelato. The ice cream also includes:
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- Sake lees, a by-product of the sake production process
- Edible gold leaf for a touch of visual opulence
The Creation of Byakuya
The development of Byakuya was a labour of love, taking over a year and a half with “a lot of trials and errors to get the taste right,” according to a Cellato spokesperson. The culinary quest was led by Tadayoshi Yamada, the head chef at Osaka fusion restaurant RiVi, which specialises in Japanese-European dishes. Cellato aimed to create a unique flavour profile that blends both Japanese and European ingredients. The result is a rich and mellow gelato with a complex flavour profile, combining the “faint sweetness” of sake with the “gorgeous ginjo incense” of white truffles. The final product is decorated with white truffles and Parmigiano cheese that “look like snow” and further embellished with gold leaf.
The Serving Experience
This isn’t your typical “grab a spoon and dig in” situation. The experience of eating Byakuya is carefully curated. It comes with a side of white truffle oil, which you are instructed to mix into the ice cream once it starts to soften. The ice cream is served with a special handmade metal spoon crafted by Takeuchi artisans in Fushimi, Kyoto, using materials also found in some of Kyoto’s temples and shrines. Cellato even suggests pairing this unique dessert with sake or a glass of French white wine to enhance the experience.
More than just Ice Cream
Cellato’s website claims the gelato is so good it will “delight even your cells”. While the price may not delight your bank account, it is clear that Byakuya represents the pinnacle of frozen dessert extravagance. If you have a spare £5,273 lying around, you can purchase Byakuya online.
Cellato also offers other pricey desserts, such as Starry Night, made with black truffles, chocolate, and yuzu juice, for a comparatively low price of around $72 (£57). The company’s record-breaking attempt with Byakuya showcases their commitment to creating extraordinary culinary experiences.
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