The Sweet, Creamy, Dreamy History of Ice Cream

Ice cream is a wildly popular frozen past-time in the United States. In fact, around 90% of households in the United States indulge in the sweet, creamy cold stuff. But ice cream wasn't always what it was today. Rather, it underwent several transformations before it turned into the summer treat available in frozen dessert cups.

Ice cream's story dates all the way back to the second BC, with Alexander the Great. As a cool refreshing snack, the king would indulge in shaved iced flavored with honey.

A thousand years down the line, Marco Polo visited the East and returned to Italy with a myriad of recipes, including what is now known as sherbet.

Over the course of the next century, the sherbet slowly evolved into "Cream Ice," which was a dinner staple for King Charles the I in the 17th century. Ice cream is churned, and contains around 50% more air after the churning process is complete. In Italy, variations of gelato began to spring up, which contains less milk fat and air during the churning process, likening it to a custard.

Ice cream first appeared in America in the late 1700s; in fact, the first advertisement for ice cream appeared in theĀ New York GazetteĀ in 1777. Ice cream was popular among everyone, including presidential elites. President Thomas Jefferson loved making vanilla ice cream, the second favorite ice cream flavor in America.

Today, ice cream is not just a sweet treat, it's a delicacy. Gourmet ice cream makers are committed to filling your plastic tasting spoons with the most unique of flavors. From goat cheese to white pepper, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the sweet treat these days. EvenĀ frozen yogurt suppliesĀ are creative and inventive, providing toppings from mochi to coconut shreds. This expansion of frozen yogurt supplies make for an exciting trip to the frozen yogurt parlor each time!

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