The History of Ice Cream
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Ice cream, a treat enjoyed by many, holds a rich history that spans centuries. As an ice cream fanatic and someone who works at an ice cream store, let's take a deep dive into that history.
There are various theories about the origins of ice cream. Some people believe that Marco Polo brought a recipe resembling sherbet to Italy, while others credit the Italian Catherine de Medici for introducing France to frozen desserts in 1553 after becoming the wife of Henry II of France. Additionally, some even believe Thomas Jefferson brought ice cream to America. Despite this claim being proven false, there is no doubt that he contributed to ice cream’s popularity as he served it at the President’s House in Washington.
Evidence traces ice cream back to ancient China during the Tang period (A.D. 618-907). Here, “ice cream” was made by heating buffalo, cows’, and goats’ milk and fermenting the milk. Before mixing it with flour for thickening, camphor for flavor, and refrigerate it before being served. As many may know through their middle school science classes, their ice cream base can be put into salt and ice. Through this process, the ice cream will cool and freeze since the salt lowers the ice’s freezing. Furthermore, the Greek and Roman elites enjoyed chilled beverages like chilled fruit juices and even sorbets. In Islamic cultures, particularly in Persia and India, kulfi is a popular frozen treat made with condensed milk and flavors like saffron, cardamom, and pistachios.
Ice cream gained popularity in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1744, the first official account of ice cream in the New World was recorded. By the 1800s, technological innovations such as insulated ice houses and steam power revolutionized ice cream production. Furthermore, a Baltimore milk dealer named Jacob Fussell pioneered its mass production, leading to the emergence of ice cream as a thriving industry. Additionally, cars changed the industry.
In 1874, American soda fountain shops emerged with the invention of the ice cream soda, which is a mix of ice cream, milk, soda, and syrup. Then, the traditional ice cream “sundae” was invented.
During World War II, military branches served ice cream to their troops. When the war ended, and dairy product rationing was lifted, America celebrated its victory with ice cream, consuming over 20 quarts of ice cream per person in 1946.
Now, ice cream shops are popular gathering places for families and friends. From basic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry to cookie dough and mint chocolate chip there are options for everyone.
Finally, with the solar eclipse yesterday, I hope that everyone had the opportunity to see it with their cool eclipse glasses. Now, people can even enjoy ice cream in space! Freeze-dried ice cream is dry and more brittle with little to no liquid in it.
To wrap up the history of ice cream, I will leave you all with a fun fact: Opened in 1686, La Procope is the oldest café in Paris – the first place where ice cream was served in Paris. So, the next time you are taking a bite of ice cream, I encourage you to think about how it became the delicious treat you love today.