In South Asia, kulfi holds a special place as a delectable frozen treat, lovingly crafted by local street vendors in small batches. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and bond with loved ones on a sunny day. Crafted slowly with fresh milk and classic flavors like saffron, rosewater, and pistachio, kulfi boasts a rich, creamy texture that evokes a sense of home for South Asians everywhere.
Mansoor Ahmed, a first-generation American, is embarking on a mission to introduce his unique take on this traditional delight to American consumers. With the introduction of Heritage Kulfi, his range of premium kulfi ice cream featuring authentic South Asian flavors, he’s aiming to captivate American audiences.
Having grown up in New York, Ahmed enjoyed the best of both worlds: the flavorful heritage of South Asian cuisine, passed down by his Pakistani immigrant parents, and beloved American treats like ice cream. This fusion sparked his passion for blending these culinary worlds and paying homage to his family’s cultural ingredients in an innovative manner. Rather than resorting to flavor extracts, he opted for traditional recipes and cooking techniques, meticulously infusing whole Assam black tea leaves and sourcing top-tier, premium saffron threads carefully handpicked from crocus flowers.
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The outcome? Heritage Kulfi delivers an opulent and contemplative twist on traditional ice cream, featuring flavors, textures, and fragrances that transport you directly to South Asia: Saffron, Rosewater, Pistachio, Cardamom Chai, Alphonso Mango, Coconut, Vanilla Bean, Malai Sweet Cream, and Almond Blossom. Each distinct ingredient takes the spotlight, showcasing its unique character. While initially appearing straightforward, every spoonful unveils the intricate flavors resulting from Ahmed’s meticulous sourcing and treatment of each exceptional element. For instance, the Rosewater flavor harkens back to the cherished childhood favorite falooda, now elevated with a fragrant, sophisticated, and delicate rose essence, coupled with its stunning pink hue. And only the finest Alphonso mangoes, hailed as the “King of Mangos,” meet the criteria for Heritage Kulfi, imparting each scoop with the essence of the euphoric peak summer season when these prized “liquid gold” mangoes grace the markets for a fleeting moment.
Every facet of the manufacturing process receives meticulous attention to detail. The comapny’s packaging holds certification for sustainably sourced materials by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Collaborating with local farms, the company ensures optimal flavor, freshness of milk and cream, and minimizes shipping impact. All Heritage Kulfi ice creams are crafted without eggs, meeting halal, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO standards, and sweetened solely with organic cane sugar.
“Kulfi holds a special place in the cherished memories of many South Asians, evoking a sense of home that’s not always readily available here in the U.S.,” explains Mansoor Ahmed, the founder and CEO of Heritage Kulfi. “My aim was to reconnect with my heritage while also catering to flavor enthusiasts keen on delving into international culinary experiences. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and genuinely enjoy witnessing the delight on people’s faces when they savor Heritage Kulfi for the first time.”
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