How to Prevent Ice Crystals on Ice Cream

Finding a container of ice cream covered in ice crystals is a common problem. When improperly stored, crystals of moisture can form, and it just doesn't taste the same. In most cases it isn't nearly as creamy and it ends up tasting old, stale, and watered down. More than likely the ice cream was fine when purchased, but improper storage causes a multitude of problems that can be prevented.

My husband always has to do things his way, and I must admit, his way isn't always the right way or the best way. Cartons of ice cream that should be open on the end are methodically opened from the top, and although they aren't ripped apart, they can't be fully closed. My ice cream loving husband takes a giant bowl and leaves the gapping container in the freezer where it takes on odors, bad flavors, and forms moisture crystals. This is one of my pet peeves, but I've solved the problem by putting it away properly after he's finished ravaging the container.

If you're having a problem with frozen moisture crystals forming on ice cream, give these ideas a try. You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can take it upon yourself to protect opened containers of your favorite frozen treats. The following tips for storage will show you how!

Store it Upside Down

Once a carton or container of has been opened, store it upside down in the freezer. This is an old trick I learned from my aunt, and it helps prevent moisture crystals from forming. Icy crystals might form on the side of the container that faces down, but it won't form on the product. Give this tip and try, and if your favorite creamy confection is properly sealed, you won't have problems with frozen moisture crystals again.

Buy Plastic Containers Instead of Cardboard

Cardboard containers allow odors and moisture to penetrate, and they're never completely sealed. If you want ice cream to stay fresher longer, buy it in plastic buckets instead of cardboard. Plastic containers are airtight, and they lock air out and keep it fresher longer. Except for the few times when ice cream in a plastic bucket was accidentally left out and partially melted before refreezing, I've never found frozen moisture crystals in fully sealed plastic buckets.

Buy Storage Containers

The selection of ice cream in cardboard containers is much greater than those offered in plastic buckets, and if you prefer the flavors sold only in cardboard, invest in freezer-safe plastic storage containers especially for ice cream. A fully sealing container will help keep out the moisture that causes crystals, and the ice cream will taste fresher longer. Considering the amount of money wasted on ice cream that's thrown away, plastic containers are a worthwhile investment.