National Ice Cream Day

A cheerful child holding an ice cream cone with colorful sprinkles, surrounded by a sunny park and happy families enjoying their frozen treats.. — National ice cream day illustration

Get your spoons ready, dear friends! Today we dive into the sweet, creamy world of National Ice Cream Day, a day where weight-watchers around the globe blame their cheat day on a national occasion. No guilt trip included!

When is Ice Cream Day?

It's national ice cream day on the 19th July.

A Brief, Creamy History

National Ice Cream Day was certainly not whipped up overnight. The idea, much like a good ice cream flavor, took time to churn. National Ice Cream Day was, surprisingly, established by proclamation of then President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Because who wouldn't vote for a President that officially endorses ice cream, right?

The Most Tweeted Ice Cream Day Ever!

Fast forward to a sunny July day in 2015, specifically the 19th for those calendar keepers, and you'll find the most online chatter about National Ice Cream Day in history. The internet scooped up 196009 mentions of the sweet treat's national day. See what we did there? 'Scooped up'. Ice cream humor for you.

Why We Celebrate

But why all the fuss about ice cream? Is it not just milk, sugar and a bit of flavoring? Hell no! Ice cream is happiness condensed into a dessert. National Ice Cream Day is a celebration of, not just a delectable dessert, but of childhood nostalgia, of hot summer days cooled by a refreshingly cold scoop, and of that unexplainable satisfaction of hearing the crunch of the cone. The day serves to remind us of the simple joys in life. And let's be honest, in a world where there are over 1000 flavors, there's a scoop out there for everyone.

History behind the term 'Ice Cream'

5th century BC

Early Frozen Treats

In the 5th century BC, ancient Persians were known to enjoy frozen treats made from combining fruit juices with ice and snow. These early renditions of ice cream were a refreshing delicacy often served to royalty and wealthy citizens, providing relief from hot summers.

1st century AD

Chinese Influence

The Chinese were also pioneers in frozen desserts. They used a mixture of milk, rice, and snow, which gave a creamy texture to their frozen treats. It is believed that Chinese explorer Marco Polo brought these recipes back to Europe, creating a bridge for the introduction of ice cream.

16th century

Italian Innovation

Ice cream as we know it today began to take shape in Italy during the 16th century. The Italians developed a method of freezing sweet and creamy mixtures using salt and ice. They called this frozen treat "gelato." Gelato quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, and its production spread to other countries, each developing their own variations on the dessert.

17th century

Royal Reception

Ice cream gained significant attention and popularity when it was introduced to the French court in the 17th century. Italian chef Francesco Procopio del Coltelli opened Café Procope in Paris, where he served gelato. The French royal court embraced this frozen delicacy, establishing ice cream as a symbol of luxury and indulgence.

18th century

American Introduction

Ice cream made its way to the American colonies in the 18th century. Founding Fathers, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were known to be fans of ice cream. It was initially a treat reserved for the wealthy due to the labor-intensive production process. However, advancements in technology, such as hand-cranked ice cream makers, made it more accessible to the general population.

19th century

Industrial Revolution and Innovation

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant innovations to the ice cream industry. Ice cream production became more efficient with the invention of steam-powered machines, allowing for larger-scale production. Additionally, the introduction of new flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, expanded the variety of choices available to ice cream enthusiasts.

20th century

Mass Production and Worldwide Popularity

In the 20th century, ice cream became a staple dessert worldwide. With advancements in refrigeration and transportation, mass production became feasible. Ice cream parlors and shops began to flourish, offering an array of flavors and sundaes. It became a favorite treat for people of all age groups and social backgrounds, solidifying its position as a beloved dessert around the globe.

21st century

Inventive Flavors and Frozen Dessert Evolution

As we reach the 21st century, ice cream continues to evolve, with inventive flavors and combinations pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. The fusion of different cuisines and culinary trends has led to the creation of unique and intriguing flavors, from bacon ice cream to floral-infused sorbets. Ice cream has become a vehicle for creativity and experimentation, delighting taste buds with surprising and delightful combinations.

Did you know?

Did you know that ice cream dates back to the 5th century BC, when ancient Greeks enjoyed a dish of snow mixed with honey and fruit? Who knew they were such dessert pioneers!