Woo City Ice Cream Co.

On Wednesday, we visited Woo City Ice Cream Co. in Wooster, naturally, in Wayne County. Although their organic and all-natural ice cream, sorbet and Woo-fu are becoming more popular and widely distributed, they still retain a feeling of "homemade." This must be due to the real people who run the company. Our group of students and parents outnumbered the staff when we visited. It was a small, but very welcoming place.

First, we were bundled into what must be the employees eating area, where David, one of the 2 owners told us all about the products that are used to make the ice creams, etc. He explained that they use organic, locally produced milk and milk products which are low-heat pasteurized to retain as many nutrients as possible, and try to keep the other ingredients organic as well. There are very few non-organic ingredients in their products. He also explained to everyone what "organic" means, which was helpful, especially for the kids, and talked about the ice cream making process.

They divided the group in half with the first half going into the "back" where the ingredients are stored and where they make the ice cream itself. Everyone had to wear hair nets, a shirt covering of some sort (like a Woo City t-shirt), and disposable booties on our shoes. In the back, David explained more about the ingredients and where they come from, took us in the freezer to show us the stored product, and then, around the corner to watch the "cold chefs" at work. "Cold chefs" are the ones who develop the new flavors and make sure they taste just right. If a certain chef calls with an idea for an ice cream flavor he needs, then the cold chefs are the ones to create it. This is where we were able to taste some caramel swirl ice cream as it came out of the machine.

The other half of the group waited in the lunchroom, but we were not bored by any means. Christian, another staff member, brought out boxes of small cups frozen with ice cream for all of us to try. He filled the table with them as the children eagerly looked on. Just when we'd finished counting, he brought out some more. So with our tiny little taster spoons and rock-hard frozen ice cream, we chipped away little bits of the best-tasting ice cream I've ever had. No joke. Of course, the ice creams melted a bit while we sat there, so it got easier to eat. When the first group came back, the second group had to leave our ice creams to take the tour.

We were able to sample: 5 Star Chocolate, Malted Vanilla, Mango Sorbet, Cookies & Cream (you've never had it like this!), Pear Sorbet, Butter Pecan, Lemon Creme, and Strawberry Rose. I'm sure I forgot a few, but it was amazing. I don't have a final count, but it seemed there was a neck and neck race between the 5 Star Chocolate and the Cookies & Cream as far as the kids' favorites.

I had no problem taking my little one. She loved the strawberry rose ice cream, and didn't mind wearing the hairnet "hat" when we went in the back. I did carry her through, and I'm sure a stroller would be impossible to take. It's a small business, and also a pristine, clean one.

The people there have been wonderfully welcoming every time I've talked to them. They gave us all the samples we wanted, and didn't charge us a penny. I'm sure they've made some new customers, but they seemed to just enjoy having us visit. I would love to go again.