Publix; it's one of the go-to supermarkets for people throughout the country. Not all supermarkets are the same, and behind every supermarket is a bunch of masterminds that create products while managing them... cause you know, quality control. Tarisha Gray does just that for Publix, and here's what happened when I had the chance to interview her.
Q and A time:
How did you get started with Publix?
Tarisha got her start with Publix back in 2008 after receiving her Master's in Food Science.
How did you get into ice cream development?
Well, Tarisha technically works in the dairy plant for Publix, where ice cream is you know... a dairy product, so it falls under the category of dairy.
How many flavors have you developed/tried?
There are eight limited edition flavors, including Peanut Butter Pie, Irish Crème Salted Caramel, Hula Hula Macadamia, New Orleans Caramel Praline, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Cookie Quarry, Lemon Berry Bliss, and Chocolate Fudge Cone.
Why Publix?
Tarisha chose Publix because when she took a tour of the facility, she saw a family and a community amongst those that work there, and wanted to be a part of it all.
Did you go to school for food science/a related field?
For undergrad, no, but for her master's, yes. For undergrad, Tarisha was a bio major with a minor in chem, but did take a food science class while she was at it. In the lab portion of the food science course, there would be experimentation with food via cooking it; truly living the dream, since dining hall food isn't the best.
Have you considered doing any collaborations?
It utterly depends on the suppliers for outside trends, but yes. Take moose tracks for an example.
What are Publix's current ice cream offerings?
There's the regular line which we all know and love, and there's also a plant based line; flavors include Peanut Butter Cocoa Chip, Strawberry and Chocolate Cocoa Chip. There is also the GreenWise line, which features 9 flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee, Salted Caramel, Mint Chocolate, Chocolate Truffle, Peanut Butter Trinity and Cookies and Cream.
Major thanks to Tarisha for letting me interview her, and hopefully you all know more about Publix and their ice cream offerings. Now it's time to you know... go get some ice cream from Publix.