The diagram illustrates the stages involved in producing a simple ice cream at home.
Overall, the process consists of six main steps, beginning with preparation and ending with hardening. Notably, the procedure combines both heating and cooling stages, with the mixture undergoing several transformations before becoming the final product.
In the initial stage, the ingredients are prepared and mixed together in a bowl. Following this, the mixture is heated during the pasteurisation stage, where it is cooked in a pot to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure safety. Once heated, the liquid is left to cool and rest in the ageing stage, which helps improve its texture and consistency.
Subsequently, the mixture enters the freezing phase, during which it is placed in a machine that churns and cools it simultaneously. At this point, additional ingredients such as fruits or flavorings can be added, enhancing the taste and variety of the ice cream. Finally, in the last stage, the semi-frozen mixture is transferred to a container and kept at a low temperature for a period of time until it hardens completely and is ready for consumption.