Penn State University Creamery

Penn State University Creamery

The Food Science Building and Berkey Creamery at Penn State University

The Penn State University Creamery, officially known as the Berkey Creamery, is a renowned ice cream and dairy products facility located on the campus of Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is part of the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and serves as both a retail outlet and a teaching and research facility.

History

The Creamery was established in 1865, making it one of the oldest university creameries in the United States. It was initially part of the university's agricultural program, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in dairy production and processing. Over the years, the Creamery has grown in size and reputation, becoming a beloved institution among students, alumni, and visitors.

Facilities

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Inside the Berkey Creamery

The current facility, known as the Berkey Creamery, is housed in the Food Science Building, which opened in 2006. The state-of-the-art facility includes production areas, classrooms, and research laboratories. The Creamery produces a wide range of dairy products, including ice cream, cheese, and milk, using milk sourced from the university's own dairy herd.

Products

The Creamery is best known for its ice cream, which is made on-site using fresh ingredients. It offers a variety of flavors, some of which are unique to the Creamery. Popular flavors include "Peachy Paterno," named after the legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, and "Alumni Swirl." In addition to ice cream, the Creamery produces a selection of cheeses, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Educational Role

Information plaque at the Berkey Creamery

The Creamery plays a significant role in the educational mission of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. It provides students with practical experience in dairy processing and food science. Courses offered include dairy production, food safety, and product development. The Creamery also supports research in dairy science and food technology.

Community and Culture

The Creamery is a popular destination for students, faculty, and visitors to the Penn State campus. It is a tradition for many to visit the Creamery during football weekends and other university events. The Creamery also participates in community outreach, offering tours and educational programs to the public.

Related Pages

• Pennsylvania State University
• College of Agricultural Sciences (Penn State)
• Joe Paterno