Hi! I looked everywhere and can't find an answer to this question - How do you stop the snow from collapsing when you pour the syrup on?

I know there'll be some collapse, but I'd like to retain the dome shape on top and it's not happening

We're using a block shaver. The snow is light and fluffy.
The syrup is cool but not cold.

Whether we pack it gently, firmly, or not at all, it still collapses dramatically.

We fill a cup to the lip, apply syrup (which collapses the snow in the cup, that's fine), add more snow and then round the top so there's a dome shape.

When we add syrup to the top, the snow on top collapses.

Whether we start in the center and spiral our way out to the edges,
or start on the edge and spiral our way up, the snow collapses.

Is there any way to keep the nice dome shape intact?

Thank you!
Jane

Try this: when you fill the cup to the lip slight pack down to have a good base or foundation. Add more snow as you usually do and create that dome shape. Try experimenting on how much packing you do to make the shape. If the shave ice is too crunchy or hard then obviously it was packed it too much (talking about how much packing to make the dome not the base). Sometimes putting too much syrups collapses it too. Also the consistency (thickness)of the syrup.

In my experience, it is almost inevitable about the collapse of a perfect dome. Just as long it is not too dramatic....can you post a picture?

Hi Kianakai! Thank you for the great insights!

I guess we need to pack the cup firmly enough to avoid collapse, but get a nice amount of syrup in the cup before adding and shaping the dome, and we need to pack the dome somewhat firmly too, without crushing the snow.

So packing is key. And then not putting too much syrup on, as you said, is going to make a difference, as well the thickness of the syrup.

It's a balancing act, but we're getting closer to our goal, and it's kind of encouraging to know that a perfect dome, without collapse, is really not possible; that some collapse will occur.

Some good food for thought. Thank you so much!!!

Your welcome...... Try this... Don't put any syrup yet till your done shaping.... Syrups eventually spread all the down .... And also, adding to early softens the base (foundation) that it will cause the dome to collapse....yes, practice practice makes perfect... Good luck =)

I agree with Kianakai. Too much syrup is a common mistake, I think it's that fear of a customer finding naked ice at the bottom that compels us to put too much
You might also want to consider the pourer and whether or not too much is coming out. Perhaps a pourer with a smaller hole will help. And if it's possible, pouring on cold syrup will definitely avoid the "cutting" effect. Hope that helps and best of luck!

I like your idea of a smaller hole pourer...I think I am going to try out your recent purchase at BB&B ...but first I need to wait for my 20% discount in the mail...hahahaha!

I'm also having problems with collapsing snow. Is it any different using a flower cup? I can't seem to get it right.

To prevent collapse I usually make sure the syrup is as chilled as possible, the chilled syrup is usually thicker and sets better on top of the shave ice. However, not everyone keeps their syrup chilled so I would say the best way to prevent collapse is to "round" the ice down a bit before pouring on your syrup. To pat the ice properly without smashing it takes practice. After you mold your shave ice, use your palms to smooth the top of the shave ice so it isn't too "ragged" and full of pockets. Once you smooth the top of the shave ice, you can then apply your syrup and you would be surprised to how much better it sits. When you round off the top, make sure you are just using your palms to round it off, do not push the ice into the cup. If you are using your muscles, your are doing it wrong. Usually the finest shave ice isn't the best looking, but you can sacrifice some texture to make your shave ice look more presentable.

And yes, using a flower cup does help some what cause the cup itself is rigid. Paper cones are the hardest to create a perfect dome since the paper itself is so flimsy and you really don't have as much room to work with.

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to give this a try and see if I can get it right.