Caribbean Heritage Month: A New Summer Flavor Inspired By Where We're From!

Caribbean Heritage Month: A new Summer flavor inspired by where we’re from!

It’s June! And that means so much for us at Island Pops. First off, we’re celebrating National Caribbean-American Heritage month here in NYC so we will be boasting louder than ever about our Trini culture. Island Pops was built on our love and longing for the tastes of our home islands and we are excited to show you more and more about where we’re from through our ice cream. So in honor of this auspicious month we thought we’d share a recipe from our new summer menu, and tell you a bit about growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, and how the memories transform into this refreshing new flavor.

Where we’re from!

For the Island Pops newbies, we are Khalid and Shelly (great to meet you!) and we came to Brooklyn, New York from Trinidad and Tobago! Trinbago is essentially the “Island” in Island Pops, though we are truly inspired by the entire region. Our flavors are directly influenced by the fruits, spices and sweet hand of Caribbean culture. You can read about how we got started here.

Shelly grew up in Tunapuna and St. James, Trinidad. She learned the ins and outs of business operations early through her family’s fishing business. On weekends Shelly would accompany her family members to the market and take in the hustle and bustle of the trade. The selling and bartering piqued her interest in business, shaping her into the sharp boss lady she is today. As a teenager, she lived a short walk away from B & M’s ice cream shop in St. James. It was here that her obsession with ice cream began to blossom, as destiny brought it all together.

Khalid is from east Trinidad. He was raised in the countryside of Valencia before his family settled in Maloney. In Valencia there was an abundance of orchards and he recalls that “when it rained the place came to life.” Turtles, iguanas and so many different types of snakes would pass through the yard. Needless to say, he grew up very connected with nature. At every turn there were natural remedies for any ailment, and plenty to eat straight off a tree. People were simply happy and healthy. This is the essence of everything we do at Island pops. We create all-natural flavors that taste delicious and heal the soul.

Shelly’s keen business sense along with Khalid’s country life and love for the kitchen, create a match made in heaven. 

New Summer Flavor!

Citrus always takes us back to the hot weather in Trinidad and Tobago. There were countless sour orange, lime and lemon trees where Khalid grew up, so homemade juice was a staple. The Lemon Nutmeg Cookie Recipe comes directly from a humble go-to meal Khalid shared with his three brothers on the days when it was too hot to light a stove and cook. They would have Rough Top cookies with freshly squeezed lemon juice to wash it down. The crunchy spiced cookies were an easy treat, satisfying tastes for nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and coconut. The lemon juice was a bright, cool drink to contrast. It has always been a favorite combo for us, so much so that we have turned it into one of our most highly anticipated new flavors this summer at Island Pops!

Lemon Nutmeg Cookie (or “Rough Tops” for the island folks) 

Ingredients:

Our Island Pops secret ice cream base

Lemon zest,

Lemon juice,

Rough Tops cookie pieces,

and a splash of vanilla essence.

Method:

Combine ingredients and allow to sit for 30 - 45mins

Churn and add Rough Top pieces with some extra lemon zest

It's that simple!

This flavor is light and fresh for that sweet summer feeling. The acidity of the lemon and fragrance of the zest create a delicate, airy ice cream, with nuggets of spiced cookies folded into it.

We are so happy to be able to share so many tastes of home with you, especially this new combination of a well-loved childhood memory. Come by the shop at 680 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn New York, or order a pint online here!