The Library

Russian Ice Cream, Explained

What plombir actually is, why it tastes different from American ice cream, what those Soviet-era standards meant, and how to tell the real thing from an imitation.

Field Guide8 min

How to Store and Serve Plombir

Store plombir at 0F or colder, then temper it 3 to 5 minutes before eating. A guide to freezer setup, ice crystals, delivery day, and slicing Poleno.

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Field Guide7 min

Plombir vs American Ice Cream: What Actually Makes Them Different

Butterfat, air, stabilizers, serving temperature and taste: how Russian plombir differs from American ice cream, and when each style is the better scoop.

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Brand Story7 min

The Story of Korovka iz Korenovki

Korovka iz Korenovki is a Russian dairy brand from Korenovsk, Krasnodar Krai, made at a dairy producing since 1952. The story behind the cow, and how to buy it.

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Field Guide7 min

Types of Russian Ice Cream: Plombir, Lakomka, Eskimo, and Poleno

The six types of Russian ice cream, sorted by format: plombir cups, Lakomka's thick chocolate shell, Eskimo bars, rozhok cones, Poleno logs, wafer sandwiches.

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Label Decoder6 min

What GOST Means on Russian Ice Cream

GOST is the Soviet and post-Soviet state standard system. What GOST standards required of ice cream, why plombir depends on it, and how to read a label.

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Plombir, Explained7 min

What Is Plombir?

Plombir is the high-butterfat Russian ice cream style graded by Soviet-era GOST standards. Where the name came from, and how to spot the real thing.

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NYC Buying Guide7 min

Where to Buy Russian Ice Cream in NYC

Where to buy Russian ice cream in NYC: the Brighton Beach, Rego Park and Bensonhurst freezer aisles, how to read a Cyrillic label, and free delivery at $65.

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South Florida Guide6 min

Where to Buy Russian Ice Cream in South Florida

Sunny Isles, Aventura, Hallandale, Hollywood, North Miami Beach and Boca: how to get real Russian plombir. Free local delivery, $65 order minimum.

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