The history of ice cream is a messy one. Many nationsclaim to have invented it, just as various individuals take credit for it. Even if its origin remains murkey, it makes for a chillingdrama!
NOTE: If you are searching for the answer to “Who inventedof ice cream?”that’s a trick question. There ARE many inventors, not just one person.
A.D 54–68: For centuries, iced desserts were a luxury. Roman Emperor Nero is said to have sent his slaves into the mountains to fetch snow to mix with nectar, fruit pulp, and honey, although this widely told tale may be a myth.
ReadNext
A.D. 618–907: The origins of ice cream date back to China’s T’ang period, probably as a dish for the country’s rulers. The founder of the dynasty, King T’ang of Shang, kept 94 “ice men” on hand to lug ice to the palace to make a dish made of koumiss (heated, fermented milk), flour, andcamphor.
1744: American colonists brought along recipes from Europe. On May 19, 1744, a group of VIP’s dined at the home of Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen. Present was a Scottish colonist who described “a Dessert…Among the Rarities of which is was Compos’d, was some fine Ice Cream which, with the Strawberries and Milk, eat most deliciously.” This is the first written account of ice cream consumption in the newcolonies.
1782: Ever hear how Martha Washington left a bowl of sweet cream on the back steps of Mount Vernon one night, and the next morning discovered ice cream? Nice story, but not true. George Washington did have, described in his ledger, “a cream machine forice.”
1843: Until September 9, 1843, ice cream was made by the “pot freezer method,” but on this day, Nancy M. Johnson of Philadelphia got her “artificial freezer” patented, containing a tub, cylinder, lid, dasher, and crank. This design is still widely usedtoday.
1851: Baltimore dairyman Jacob Fussell was athe first person to produce ice cream commercially, opened the first ice cream factory. He had a surplus of cream—so he built an ice cream factory in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania, and shipped it to Baltimore by train. Business boomed, and Fussell became the father of the wholesale ice creamindustry.
1880: Buffalo, NY; Evanston, IL; Two Rivers, WI; and Ithaca, NY all claim to have invented the ice cream sundae. Wherever it happened, it first started appearing in soda fountains during the 1880’s. It was invented because ice cream sodas weren’t allowed to be sold on Sundays; the ice cream sundae was a way to circumvent that restriction. On September 22, 1903, there is a recorded application for a patent for the ice cream cone by Italo Marchiony.
1939: Grocery stores didn’t start selling ice cream until the 1930’s, and by WWII, ice cream had become so popular that it turned into somewhat of an American symbol (Mussolini banned it in Italy for that same reason). Ice cream was great for troop morale, and in 1943, the U.S. Armed Forces were the world’s largest ice creammanufacturers!
Whatever the history, ice cream is here tostay!
Want to try making it yourself?See our tips on how to make old-fashioned ice cream!
As a culinary enthusiast and historian, my expertise delves into the delightful realm of ice cream's rich and diverse history. The fascinating evolution of this frozen treat spans centuries and various cultures, each contributing unique elements to its creation and popularity.
The history of ice cream is indeed a captivating tale woven through time. Various civilizations have laid claim to its invention, leading to a tangled web of origins and stories. Let's dissect the concepts and historical events intertwined in the article you provided.
-
Roman Emperor Nero and iced desserts (A.D 54–68): The anecdote of Nero sending slaves into the mountains to gather snow for mixing with nectar, fruit pulp, and honey highlights early attempts at enjoying frozen desserts, though its historical accuracy remains uncertain.
-
China's T’ang period (A.D. 618–907): Ice cream's origins in China during the T’ang dynasty reveal a dish possibly created for the ruling class. It consisted of ingredients like koumiss, flour, and camphor, showcasing the early versions of frozen delicacies in ancient China.
-
American colonial era (1744 and onwards): European recipes brought to America by colonists marked the beginning of ice cream consumption in the new colonies. The notable account at Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen's home in 1744 describes a dessert comprising ice cream, strawberries, and milk.
-
Innovation and commercialization: Revolutionary advancements in ice cream making occurred in the 19th century. Nancy M. Johnson's patent in 1843 for the "artificial freezer" transformed the ice cream-making process. Jacob Fussell's commercial ice cream production and the invention of the ice cream cone by Italo Marchiony in 1903 further revolutionized the industry.
-
Cultural significance: Ice cream's popularity soared in the 20th century, becoming an iconic American treat. It played a role in boosting morale during wartime, symbolizing American culture to such an extent that it was even banned in Italy by Mussolini during World War II.
-
Invention of the ice cream sundae: The creation of the ice cream sundae in the 1880s served as a workaround to the prohibition of selling ice cream sodas on Sundays, showcasing how cultural norms influenced the evolution of ice cream-related desserts.
The fascinating journey of ice cream, from ancient times to its modern-day ubiquity, reflects cultural, technological, and social advancements. Its diverse origins and evolution across continents make it a truly global delight, symbolizing shared moments of joy and indulgence throughout history.
