Craving an outrageously delicious frozen treat? Then you need to visit the iconic Mexican ice cream chain La Michoacana. With over 6,000 locations across Mexico and the U.S., La Michoacana has been serving up incredible ice cream, paletas, and more since the 1950s. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind ice cream shop.
A Brief History of La Michoacana
La Michoacana first opened in the late 1950s in Morelia, Mexico. It was founded by Japanese immigrant Emiliano Elizondo Ponce. According to the book La Michoacana by Patricia Quintana, Ponce opened a small shop called Neveria y Fruteria Emiliano featuring his frozen creations.
Ponce would blend ice cream and fruit sherbets to create unique frozen treats. As these exclusive recipes grew in popularity, Ponce moved to a larger space. He named his new, expanded shop La Michoacana as a nod to the state of Michoacán, where Morelia is located.
Over the next decades, La Michoacana blossomed from its humble beginnings into a major franchise. According to La Michoacana‘s website, the company now has over 6,000 stores throughout Mexico and locations in the U.S. states of California, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Florida. However, the original La Michoacana shop still remains family-owned, staying true to its roots.
What Is La Michoacana Known For?
In addition to its famous ice creams and paletas (popsicles), La Michoacana offers an extensive selection of Mexican grocery items. Their stores are stocked with produce, spices, canned goods, cheeses, tortillas, and more. You can also grab a quick, delicious meal here – La Michoacana is a great spot for tacos, burritos, and antojitos (Mexican street foods).
However, the main draw is definitely La Michoacana‘s incredible frozen treats. According to La Michoacana‘s website, they create over 200 flavors of ice creams, sorbets, and fruit paletas. All are made from natural ingredients with no preservatives. Classic flavors include spicy mango chile, refreshing cucumber lime, creamy coconut, zesty pineapple, and even whimsical bubblegum.
Key Stats on La Michoacana‘s Growth
- 1950s – La Michoacana founded in Morelia, Mexico
- 6,000+ – Current number of La Michoacana locations
- 5 – U.S. states with La Michoacana shops
- 200+ – Reported ice cream and paleta flavors offered
What Makes Mexican Ice Cream So Special?
There are two main differences that set Mexican-style ice cream apart from classic American ice cream:
Composition
- Mexican – Made with cornstarch as the main base
- American – Made with cream and/or milk & egg yolks
Flavors
- Mexican – Fruity flavors featuring local ingredients like mamey, guava, tamarind
- American – Tradtional flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry
The cornstarch base gives Mexican ice cream a thicker, custard-like consistency. And the use of authentic Mexican fruits and spices creates a more exotic, tangy taste. Next time you dig into Mexican ice cream, savor thatvelvety texture and those punchy Latin flavors!
Why Is It Called Michoacana?
The name Michoacana comes from the Mexican state of Michoacán. Michoacán is known for its storied food culture and cuisine, which makes ample use of ingredients like corn, chiles, and moles (rich sauces).
The Michoacana name pays respect to these culinary traditions. It also refers to the signature style of taquerias (taco shops) in the Michoacán region, which serve their specialties like tacos placeros in an authentic, homemade fashion.
Who Founded This Iconic Ice Cream Shop?
La Michoacana traces its roots back to one pioneering man – Emiliano Elizondo Ponce. In the late 1950s, Ponce opened a small shop in Morelia, Michoacán called Neveria y Fruteria Emiliano.
Ponce‘s creative idea was to take traditional offerings like dairy products and fruit and transform them into new and exciting frozen desserts. He would blend ice cream with fruit sherbets to create hybrid treats you couldn‘t find anywhere else.
As Ponce‘s distinctive frozen creations grew in popularity, he expanded to a larger space. Here, he established La Michoacana brand as we know it today. While the business has grown tremendously over six decades, the very first La Michoacana shop remains in the family‘s hands.
Where Was La Michoacana Ice Cream First Created?
Authentic La Michoacana ice cream originated right in the heart of Michoacán, Mexico. According to La Michoacana‘s website, their signature ice cream recipe first emerged in the 1920s. Local markets in Michoacán sold this specialty ice cream, which featured the fresh local fruits of the region.
This deliciously creamy ice cream became popular for its texture and use of tropical Michoacán fruits like mango, guava, mamey, banana, and more. The eventual advent of ice cream makers allowed vendors outside Michoacán to reproduce the coveted recipe. But you can still taste that original 1920s spirit today at La Michoacana!
Most Popular La Michoacana Flavors
One of the best parts of visiting La Michoacana is sampling the incredible variety of flavors. Here are some of the most beloved options:
Chocolate Abuelita – Chocolate ice cream with bits of Mexican chocolate (Abuelita), cinnamon, and nutmeg
Papa – Sweet mango ice cream named after the fruit
Tamarindo – Lip-puckering tamarind ice cream made from the pod‘s pulp
Mango Chile/Mango Chile Chamoy – Sweet, spicy mango ice cream with chile pepper and chamoy sauce
Coconut – Smooth coconut ice cream, sometimes with toasty coconut flakes
Pineapple – Bright pineapple ice cream bursting with tropical flavors
Guava – Tropical pink guava ice cream with sweet tartness
Cajeta – Rich caramel ice cream flavored with cajeta sauce
Purple Yam – Vibrant purple yam ice cream with earthy sweetness
Mexican Chocolate – Chocolate ice cream infused with cinnamon
Why Does Ice Cream Taste Different in Mexico?
You may notice some delicious differences when you dig into ice cream in Mexico. Here‘s why it stands out from conventional American ice cream:
- Made with authentic Mexican ingredients like cane sugar, fruits, nuts, spices
- Unique ice cream recipes and preparation methods
- Non-traditional flavors featuring chili powder, chamoy sauce, herbs
- Focus on fresh, natural flavors rather than artificial or refined ingredients
- Less air incorporated during churning = denser, richer mouthfeel
- Regional fruits like mamey, guava, tamarind that you won‘t find in the U.S.
All these factors add up to an ice cream experience that‘s uniquely Mexican and seriously tasty!
Comparing Ice Cream Styles
Beyond the one-of-a-kind world of Mexican ice cream, let‘s quickly break down some other common ice cream varieties:
| Type | Base Ingredients | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Dairy, sugar, flavors | Creamy, smooth |
| French-style | Egg yolks added | Rich, dense |
| Custard-based | Milk, eggs | Creamy, custard-like |
| Italian Gelato | More milk than cream | Dense, velvety |
Indulge in an Authentic Mexican Treat
From humble local shop to international sensation, La Michoacana has certainly come a long way since the 1950s. But they‘ve stayed true to tradition every step of the way. Using time-honored recipes and fresh, authentic ingredients, La Michoacana churns out some of the most insanely delicious ice cream you‘ll ever taste.
With over 200 flavors, you could try a new one every day. Just be sure if you‘re visiting Mexico, you make time to experience this unique ice cream paradise for yourself. Because you won‘t find zesty tropical flavors and lusciously creamy treats like these just anywhere. At La Michoacana, every day is an opportunity for a seriously tasty adventure!
