Did you know that some types of ice cream scoopers are hollow for a reason? We bought this scooper from a restaurant supply store a couple years ago, and every time we wash it the yellow cap on the end of the handle pops out. I always thought the handle was oddly large—thinking there must be a reason, but not knowing what that reason was.I was emptying the dishwasher recently, and the yellow cap on the end had popped out again. This time though, not only that but a black rubber plug also fell out. Next, a yellow balloon plopped down onto the counter.

For a minute I stood there staring at this once-hidden balloon that appeared to be filled with…something. After donning rubber gloves and finding scissors, I put the balloon in a plastic container and cut the end off the balloon. Out poured this gel-like liquid that smelled like vinegar. What kind of magic is this?? Is this a thing? Or is someone randomly hiding balloons of mysterious liquid inside ice cream scoopers?

Apparently, restaurant-style scoopers are often hollow and contain a heat-conductive liquid that carries the heat from your hand to the scoop to make it glide through the ice cream easier. Who knew? I’m sure several people do, actually. Just shows that you shouldn’t judge a scooper by its handle, or a book by its cover, as the saying goes.