Before freezers became part of our everyday lives, Mallorcans were already enjoying artisan ice cream thanks to an ingenious system that used snow from the Serra de Tramuntana. At Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, we aim to keep this tradition alive, which is why we offer ice creams that pay tribute to Mallorca’s history.
“Cases de Neu”: Mallorca’s First Freezers
Have you ever wondered how ice was preserved in ancient times? The cases de neu were underground structures built in the highest areas of the island, designed to store snow and turn it into ice. These structures, still found today in the Serra de Tramuntana and the Serra de Llevant, were vital to the commercialization of ice from the 16th century until the arrival of the first industrial refrigerators.
In winter, when snow covered the Tramuntana mountains, a group of young men, led by a foreman, collected the snow and transported it to the cases de neu. The snow was compacted in layers, interspersed with salt, ash, and leaves, to form blocks of ice that lasted until spring.
The Serra de Tramuntana became a true “ice factory” that supplied the entire island. The neveros, as the snow collectors and transporters were known, performed hard and dangerous work, but one that was essential to Mallorca’s economy.
The Origin of Artisan Ice Cream
The snow stored in the cases de neu was not only used to preserve food and drinks, but also to create the first artisan ice creams in Mallorca. Mixed with fruit juices and other ingredients, the snow was transformed into sorbets and ice creams that refreshed the Mallorcan summers.
At Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, we are proud to keep this centuries-old tradition alive. Our artisan ice creams, made with natural ingredients and traditional recipes, are a tribute to the neveros and the cases de neu.
We invite you to visit any of our locations and try our artisan ice creams. Each bite is a journey into the past, a connection with tradition, and a tribute to Mallorca’s history.
