Jeni's Ice Cream Unveils Appalachian Acorn Pie After Five Years of Development

In a remarkable culinary endeavor, Jeni's Ice Creams is officially introducing their newest limited-edition flavor: Appalachian Acorn Pie. This flavor marks the culmination of five years of diligent work, research, and innovative supply chain management. Jeni's team set out on a journey to explore the feasibility of utilizing acorns—a long-forgotten food source that has historical significance for many indigenous cultures in the U.S. Their quest began simply with a question: 'Could acorns be used to craft a delicious ice cream?'

The initial assumption that acorns are plentiful in the U.S. didn’t turn out to be so straightforward when it came to production. Acorns are not commercially farmed or readily available for purchase. Consequently, the research and development team initially sought international suppliers for acorn flour. Early tests using this flour gave the Jeni's team a taste of what could be possible— a rich and nutty flavor profile that resonated deeply with familiar comfort.

"It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, but it still felt so relatable," shared Beth Stallings, Senior Director of Innovation at Jeni's. Yet, when the international sources didn’t pan out, it became clear that to make their vision a reality, they would need to create a completely new supply chain to obtain acorns sustainably.

To make this much-needed acorn flour, Jeni's partnered with Route 9 Action Network, a cooperative dedicated to agriculture based in Carroll County, Ohio. Though Route 9 primarily focuses on chestnuts, they were intrigued by the possibility of expanding their cultivation efforts to include acorns. Jeni's commitment to supporting local businesses included signing several grant letters that would enable Route 9 to forage and process the required acorns. This endeavor involved washing and leaching the tannins out of the acorns, making them safe for consumption.

Once the acorns were processed, they were sent to a local Amish farm for milling. Jeni's utilized traditional methods of communication, such as snail mail and community phone systems, to ensure smooth coordination among all parties involved. This back-and-forth communication was pivotal in successfully obtaining high-quality Appalachian acorn flour.

After five years of foraging, milling, and extensive flavor testing, the special limited edition of Appalachian Acorn Pie was brought to fruition. The final product features a delectable acorn ice cream combined with a graham cracker swirl, resulting in a nutty and subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of hazelnut, coconut, and chestnut.

Available starting October 1, this unique flavor can be found online at Jenis.com and in Jeni's scoop shops across the country, but only while supplies last.

Established in 2002, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams has built a reputation as a leader in the American ice cream industry, known for crafting innovative and high-quality flavors using Direct Trade ingredients and fresh milk sourced from family dairy farms. Over the past two decades, Jeni's has become a Certified B Corporation, recognized for its commitment to social and environmental causes. Today, the brand operates over 90 scoop shops and boasts a strong online presence, further solidifying its place as a trailblazer in the world of premium ice cream.

Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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