Chronicle EditorBy So Sweet
ICE cream, a beloved treat enjoyed by millions around the world, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. The origins of this delightful dessert are shrouded in mystery, with various cultures contributing to its evolution.
The earliest forms of ice cream can be traced back to ancient China around 200 BC. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), emperors enjoyed a frozen concoction made from milk, flour, and camphor. This early version of ice cream was a luxurious treat reserved for the elite.
In ancient Rome, Emperor Nero (37-68 AD) was known to have ice brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings to create a refreshing dessert. Similarly, in Persia, around 400 BC, people enjoyed a chilled dessert made from rose water and vermicelli, which was often mixed with saffron, fruits, and other flavours. Ice cream-like desserts continued to evolve during the Middle Ages.
In the 13th century, Marco Polo is believed to have brought back recipes for frozen milk desserts from his travels to China. These recipes eventually made their way to Italy, where they were further refined.
By the 16th century, ice cream had spread to France. Catherine de Medici, who married Henry II of France, is credited with introducing the frozen treat to the French court. The dessert quickly gained popularity among European aristocracy.
The first recorded recipe for ice cream in England dates back to the 17th century. In 1671, King Charles II was served “one plate of ice cream” at a banquet.
By the 18th century, ice cream had crossed the Atlantic and was being enjoyed in the American colonies. Thomas Jefferson, an avid fan, even wrote down his own recipe for vanilla ice cream.
The invention of the hand-cranked ice cream freezer in the mid-19th century by Nancy Johnson revolutionised the production of ice cream, making it more accessible to the general public. This innovation paved the way for the commercial ice cream industry.
ice cream cone was popularised at the 1904 World’s Fair in St Louis. A Syrian concessionaire named Ernest Hamwi rolled a waffle to hold ice cream when a nearby vendor ran out of dishes.
George Washington reportedly spent around US$200 on ice cream during the summer of 1790, a significant sum at the time. Freeze-dried ice cream was developed for NASA’s Apollo missions. However, it was not well-received by astronauts, who found it too crumbly.
The ice cream sundae was invented in the late 19th century when soda fountains were prohibited from selling ice cream sodas on Sundays. To circumvent this, vendors served ice cream with syrup instead. While vanilla and chocolate are classic favourites, some ice cream parlours offer unique flavours like garlic, octopus, and even horse meat in Japan.
The largest ice cream sundae ever made weighed over 54 000 pounds and was created in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1988. New Zealand holds the record for the highest per capita ice cream consumption, with each person eating an average of 7,4 gallons (28 litres) per year.
The first ice cream truck vendor in the United States was Harry Burt, who started his business in 1920. His trucks were equipped with bells to attract customers.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. Around 50% of the volume in ice cream is air, which gives it its light and creamy texture.
Ice cream has come a long way from its ancient origins to become a global favourite. Whether enjoyed in a cone, a cup, or as part of a sundae, this frozen delight continues to bring joy to people of all ages.
Now that you know more about ice cream, step into our So Sweet shop and grab more of our delights for the weekend!
Online Reporter