Shelf Life has just returned from the 55TH Annual Fancy Food Show in New York City, where the delicacies stretched as far as the eye could see (the exhibition space exceeded two football fields). Wandering and grazing among the displays – nibbling a sample cheese slice; sipping imported ginger beer; ogling the chocolates – we became aware of a juicy new trend. The taste du jour appears to be blood orange, which is turning up everywhere, especially in drinks, desserts, and snacks. New Jersey frozen treats manufacturers Ciao Bella were a strong presence at the show (their Key Lime Graham Cracker Gelato won a Sofi Gold award), so now seems like a good time for Shelf Life to try their bloody sorbet. And we like it, with one caveat. This product tastes totally yum, with a lip-smacking, engrossing, acute citrus flavour, and not too much sugar. However its texture is odd; Shelf Life expected the frosty denseness of a typical sorbet, but our scoops sat unhappily in the bowl, granular and collapsed, even a bit mushy. Overall, Ciao Bella Blood Orange Sorbet is that rare creature – a product that tastes better than it looks.

FOUR STARS****