The big scoop: University of Minnesota celebrates 175 years with signature ice cream flavor

Farmer’s North Star Apple Crisp freezes out competition 

Forget chocolate or vanilla. The winning flavor created to celebrate the University of Minnesota's 175th anniversary offers a tart, colorful surprise.

The ice cream flavor, North Star Apple Crisp, combines the sweet crunchy taste of apple crisp with a swirl of aronia berry. The ice cream recognizes Minnesota’s dairy industry while paying homage to the University’s world-renowned apple breeding program and incorporating the Midwest-native aronia berry. It was created and is being produced through the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), bringing together the College’s expertise in dairy, food science and agriculture. 

This flavor beat out finalists selected from a pool of nearly 500 community submissions. Some submissions were more traditional, like Strawberry Rhubarb, Honey, and Blueberry Muffin. Others were downright unusual like Rocky Roadkill and Minnesota Hot Dish. 

The five finalists were ​​Father Pillsbury Puritan Pudding, The Maroon and Gold Rush, Minnesota Rouser Rhubarb, Wildberry Ramble and the winning flavor, North Star Apple Crisp. The five top flavors were tasted and ranked by an expert panel of judges, including dairy ambassador students, CFANS faculty and leaders from the University of Minnesota. 

The winning flavor idea was submitted by Paul and Heather Wright of Wright Farms in Hutchinson, Minnesota. The dairy farmers also grow certified organic aronia berries and know firsthand it goes great with ice cream. Wright Farms operates Minnesota’s largest certified organic orchard of aronia.

“We are proud Minnesotans and strong supporters of the University of Minnesota and its Extension programs,” Paul Wright said. “We’re honored to say we dreamt up this winning ice cream flavor and hope it brings some extra joy to the 175th anniversary celebration.”

The Wright family has long been involved with McLeod County 4-H, with their children participating for several years and Paul announcing the county’s 4-H dairy competition annually. Paul is also a graduate of Extension’s Minnesota Agriculture Rural Leadership program and has been a McLeod County Commissioner for 18 years.

North Star Apple Crisp is being produced at the University’s Joseph J. Warthesen Food Processing Center, otherwise known as the Pilot Plant, on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. The Pilot Plant gives students the opportunity to work and conduct research in a real production facility. It also serves as an indispensable asset for food companies that are just starting up, or are evaluating new processes and product lines.

“The University continues to lead the way in dairy research, nutrition, innovation and education,” said Linda Nagel, interim dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. “We remain committed to advancing the sustainability and productivity of the dairy industry for the next 175 years.”

The process of creating the ice cream from start to finish reflects the University’s multifaceted approach to dairy research and education. The milk used in production comes from the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Farm, a truly distinct resource on an urban campus. 

“As we mark our 175th anniversary, we're bringing Minnesotans together to celebrate the collaboration and excellence that define the University of Minnesota and the extraordinary community that makes the University what it is today,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “Sampling the top five flavors was certainly one of the sweeter ways to celebrate.”

North Star Apple Crisp will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, August 26 at the Meat and Dairy Salesroom on the St. Paul campus. The Meat and Dairy Salesroom is open on Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m., but will be closed on September 2. The ice cream will soon after be available at Goldy's Gameroom, the Gopher Spot and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. For more details, visit this web page.

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About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, with campuses in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and the Twin Cities, is driven by a singular vision of excellence. We are proud of our mission of accessible world-class education, groundbreaking research, and community-engaged outreach, and we are unified in our drive to serve Minnesota, the nation and the world. Visit system.umn.edu.

About the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences 
The University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences strives to inspire minds, nourish people, and sustainably enhance the natural environment. CFANS has a legacy of innovation, bringing discoveries to life through science and educating the next generation of leaders. Every day, students, faculty, and researchers use science to address the grand challenges of the world today and in the future. CFANS offers an unparalleled expanse of experiential learning opportunities for students and the community, with 12 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across the state, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers. Learn more at cfans.umn.edu.