Is there anything more irresistible on a hot summer day than a cool and creamy ice cream cone? Not that you need another reason to indulge, but July is officially National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day. The Ancient Greeks may have invented the first ice cream, a treat they made by mixing a combination of snow, fruit, and honey.
There are also historic accounts of ice cream being enjoyed in the Persian Empire, where snow from the winter was saved in underground chambers known as “yakchal.” A grape puree was poured over the saved snow. Later, the Quaker colonists brought us closer to the ice cream we know today. Sharing their recipes, they set up ice cream shops in New York during the colonial era. Though celebrating ice cream is a relatively new custom in America, the idea was first formally proposed in Joint Resolution 298 in May of 1984 by Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky.
It did not take long before President Ronald Reagan signed the resolution; and, on July 15, 1984, a Presidential Proclamation designated that National Ice Cream Month would be celebrated annually in July. Other U.S. presidents have held ice cream in high esteem. Most notably, Dolly Madison, wife of President James Madison, had her own ice cream brand. Today, the ice cream and dairy industries are flourishing due to the revenue brought in by ice cream connoisseurs across the world. The ice cream industry
generates about $3.5 billion in annual sales. Famous ice cream chains include Ben and Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, and Carvel. In Palm Beach County, Kilwins and Sloan’s Ice Cream rank high among the favorites by locals and tourists. Most popular flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookies and cream.
Novel non-traditional flavors include “Phish Food” at Ben and Jerry’s, “Banana Fudge Pie” at Kilwins, and “Minnie and Indy’s Fluffy Road” at Sloan’s. Whether deep-fried, dipped, sprinkled, or au natural, ice cream is one food that provokes smiles and a host of passionate responses.
“My favorite flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter from Kilwins.” – Ali Naugle
“When I go to Kilwins, I love the shredded coconut flavor.” – Hannah Lebersfeld
“The ice cream flavor I like best is New York Super Fudge Chunk from Ben and Jerry’s.” – Jess Caplin
“I enjoy mint chocolate chip from Brendy’s because it is light and refreshing.” – Becca Freeman
Treat yourself to your favorite flavor on National Ice Cream Day, July 16. Ice Cream Fun Facts
• Vanilla holds steady as the most popular flavor.
• California produces more ice cream than any other state in the U.S.
• It takes about 50 licks to finish an average sized ice cream cone. What’s your flavor?