Reading Passage​

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Ice cream is usually thought of as a sweet and simple treat, but in many parts of the world people enjoy flavours that seem truly bizarre. Instead of just chocolate or strawberry, you might find ice creams made with fish, vegetables, or even cheese. At first these flavours may make you feel surprised or even a little confused, but they show how creative people can be with food.

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Some of these flavours are not just strange but also very distinctive. For example, in Japan there are ice creams made with wasabi, which is a spicy green paste usually eaten with sushi. The sharp and powerful taste is easy to recognise and gives the ice cream a character that no other flavour has. Eating it is an experience you will never forget.

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In Italy, gelato shops sometimes offer flavours with a special aroma. You might smell the rich scent of olive oil or gorgonzola cheese before you even taste them. These foods are important in Italian cooking, so using them in ice cream makes sense. The strong smell and flavour may not please everyone, but they certainly leave an impression.

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In other places the flavours can be quite peculiar. In Finland, for example, people sometimes eat tar ice cream, which is made from a substance taken from trees. The taste is smoky and unusual, and visitors often find it difficult to describe. Still, for locals it is a traditional treat that feels normal, even if it seems odd to outsiders.

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Some ice cream makers focus on being innovative, always looking for new ideas that nobody has tried before. In the United States, shops often experiment with flavours like bacon, garlic, or sweetcorn. These flavours may sound more like a meal than a dessert, but they show how ice cream can change with people’s creativity and willingness to test boundaries.

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Of course, you need to be adventurous to try some of these flavours. Many children and even adults feel nervous when they see chilli, squid, or curry ice cream on the menu. But those who are brave enough to taste them often discover something surprising and exciting. Sometimes the flavours are even more appealing than expected, and people are glad they gave them a chance.

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The world of ice cream is very diverse, and every culture has its own ideas about what tastes good. In India, saffron and cardamom are common ice cream flavours, while in Mexico, chilli and mango are popular combinations. Each country adds its own traditions and ingredients, making ice cream a memorable way to explore culture through food.

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While some ice creams may seem exaggerated or even shocking, many of them are made with authentic local ingredients that have been used in cooking for centuries. These recipes may feel unusual to visitors, but they remind us that food is more than just fuel. It is also about imagination, tradition, and the joy of trying something new. By tasting different ice creams, we not only enjoy a dessert but also learn something about the world.