Techinque Question

[IcedQueen]

Our Swan will be delivered to us this week and in the meantime, I've been watching YouTube videos to see the different techniques of using the machine and constructing the shave ice. I've noticed that there seems to be distinct differences in the ways to make/form the shave ice. Are there any benefits to:

-Rounding the ice like with the hand (http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhot ... awaii.html) vs leaving it in a more snowy form (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shaved-Ice-or-S ... 0958176283)

I also noticed when watching videos of Ululani's that after they shave and form the snow they poke the ice with bamboo sticks presumably to allow the syrup to penetrate more easily but they also kinda flick the bottom edge of the ice, does anyone know the reason behind this technique? See video below for a visual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK_Z2Yvps9w

Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks

[mattream]

Shape it with your hand, but don't take the time or effort to make it perfectly round. Those look cool, but are too time-consuming. You do have to pack it some so it doesn't all fall apart when you flavor it.

The sticks poking holes is supposed to make it easier for flavors to get down to the bottom. I don't do that and haven't necessarily noticed a problem that just putting on a little more flavor won't solve. Ululani's, which is the best shave ice bar none, makes syrups of real fruit so for them it probably makes more sense to do that than for the rest of us.

[IcedQueen]

Thanks for the info Matt! On a side note, how long does it take for the average employee to learn the technique of forming/packing the ice into the flower cup?

[Kim]

I would say they can get the technique after a hundred cups .

[IcedQueen]

Well I better get practicing sooner rather than later so I get those 100 cups under my belt!

[jenneti]

They flick the edge to remove snow from lip of cup. Helps keep syrup in cup rather than roll off side of cup. Where are you located IcedQueen.

[IcedQueen]

Makes sense! I tried my hand at making my first ever ice and it turned out just ok, not as fluffy as I would have liked it. I think there was an issue with the ice I was using because we froze it in a sub zero freezer which made it rounded on the top and also cracked too. Next move is to try and freeze it at just below freezing as many have commented was the best way to do it.

I am located in Cleveland, Ohio!