A Brief History of Ice Cream

      Centuries ago summer-time desserts were made by taking sweet cream or custard and cooling them down with ice (Olver). The name “ice cream” comes from this process; derived literally from iced cream. For centuries, these chilled desserts were considered a luxury.  Dating back to as early as 3000 BC, the Chinese are credited for developing the very first ice creams (Olver). Between 54 and 68 AD, Roman Emperor Nero is said to have sent his slaves to fetch snow from the mountain tops to make an ice cream like dessert (Staff). However the frozen treat we enjoy today is not the same that was originally introduced. Ice cream began as flavored ice, usually with fruit or honey. It is said that during the 17^th century the modern ice cream, cream or custard based, originated from Italy; eventually making its way through Europe via France (Olver).

With the passing of time and the movement of people and ideas, ice cream made its way to America. The first written account of ice cream consumption in the new colonies appeared in 1744 (Staff). And in 1790 the first ice cream parlor opened in New York (Avey). It was not until the late 19^th century, when Americans began manufacturing ice cream, did people of all socio-economic levels began enjoying this frozen treat (Olver). Specifically in 1851, Baltimore dairyman Jacob Fussell opened the first commercial ice cream factory in Pennsylvania, USA. Fussell is credited as the father of the wholesale ice cream industry (Staff). Ice cream manufacturing quickly took off and by the 1930’s grocery stores all across the United States began selling it. With its growing popularity, ice cream soon became an American symbol.

At first, ice cream was simply sweetened cream chilled by ice. But before long recipes became more sophisticated (Olver). When introduced in Europe, vanilla was the most popular flavor. While American ice cream flavors were predominantly fruit. More flavors of ice cream developed with the progression of time and technology. Along with more advanced flavors, other ice cream concoctions were born such as sundaes, ice cream bars, and banana splits (Olver).

It is uncertain the individual person who invented ice cream. However it is certain that ice cream is an enjoyable frozen treat for all!

Works Cited

Avey, Tori. "Explore The Delicious History of Ice Cream." PBS. PBS, 10 July 2012. Web. 26

Sept. 2016.

Olver, Lynne. "The Food Timeline: Ice Cream." The Food Timeline: History Notes--ice Cream.

N.p., 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.

Staff, Almanac. "The History of Ice Cream." Old Farmer's Almanac. N.p., 2 Nov. 2015. Web. 26

Sept. 2016.