National Ice Cream Month And Ice Cream Day

Young child licking a colorful ice cream cone with sprinkles, dressed in summer attire, enjoying a sunny park scene.. — National ice cream month and ice cream day illustration

Hey there ice cream enthusiasts! Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth because National Ice Cream Month and Ice Cream Day are just around the corner. Whether you prefer classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or if you're a fan of more adventurous concoctions like bacon maple or avocado ice cream (yes, it's a thing!), this is the time to indulge in frozen goodness. Grab your spoons, loosen your belts, and let's dive into the chilly world of ice cream!

When is Ice Cream Month And Ice Cream Day?

It's national ice cream month and ice cream day on the 20th July.

The Origins of National Ice Cream Month

Did you know that National Ice Cream Month was declared by the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan? That's right! In 1984, Reagan decided to dedicate an entire month to celebrate America's favorite frozen dessert. He even specifically chose July as the official month to coincide with the peak of ice cream consumption during hot summer days. It's like he knew we needed the perfect excuse to cool down and enjoy this delicious treat!

Since then, National Ice Cream Month has been observed annually, reminding us to pause our busy lives and treat ourselves to a scoop (or two) of pure bliss. It's a time to appreciate the joy and happiness that ice cream brings to our lives.

History behind the term 'Ice Cream Month And Ice Cream'

1700s

Early Beginnings

Ice cream has been enjoyed for hundreds of years, with records of frozen desserts dating back to ancient China and Persia. The concept of ice cream as we know it today began to develop in the 1700s. It was in this era that ice cream gained popularity in Europe, and the first recipes for ice cream started to emerge.

1660

The Introduction of Frozen Desserts

In 1660, ice cream as we know it today had not yet been invented. However, frozen desserts made from ice and snow were already enjoyed by ancient civilizations. The Chinese were known to mix snow with fruit and rice to create refreshing treats, while the Persians used a combination of grape juice and ice. These early frozen delicacies paved the way for the discovery of ice cream.

1776

Introduction to America

Ice cream made its way to America with the arrival of European settlers. It is believed that one of America's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, played a role in popularizing ice cream in the United States. He even had an ice house built at his Monticello estate to store ice for making this frozen delight.

1744

The First Ice Cream Recipe

Ice cream made its debut in the English-speaking world in 1744 when a recipe for it was published in a cookbook titled 'Mrs. Mary Eales's Receipts.' This recipe described a mixture of cream, sugar, and flavorings, which was then frozen with ice. Although it was a primitive version compared to modern ice cream, it marked the beginnings of this delightful frozen dessert.

1800s

Ice Cream Revolution

In the 19th century, advancements in technology such as the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream churn and the commercial production of ice made ice cream more accessible to the general public. Ice cream parlors started to emerge, becoming social gathering places for people of all ages.

1782

Ice Cream in America

Ice cream made its way to America in 1782, thanks to the efforts of a French immigrant named Philip Lenzi. Lenzi opened the first ice cream shop in New York City, where he sold various flavors of this frozen treat to delighted customers. This marked the start of a cultural love affair between Americans and ice cream.

1851

The Ice Cream Freezer Patent

The year 1851 saw the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream freezer, which revolutionized the process of making ice cream. Nancy Johnson, an American woman, received the first U.S. patent for an ice cream freezer. This invention made it easier for households to produce homemade ice cream and contributed to the spread of ice cream's popularity.

1984

National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month in the United States. He also specifically declared the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The proclamation aimed to recognize the importance of ice cream in American culture and the positive role it plays as a delicious treat enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

Present

Continuing Love for Ice Cream

Today, ice cream remains a beloved dessert enjoyed worldwide. It comes in countless flavors, styles, and variations, catering to a diverse range of preferences. Whether it's in a cone, a cup, or sandwiched between two cookies, ice cream continues to captivate taste buds and bring joy to people of all ages.

1984

National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of July as National Ice Cream Month, further solidifying the cultural significance of this frozen delight. He also declared the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The purpose of this proclamation was to celebrate ice cream as a fun and nutritious dessert enjoyed by people of all ages.

Did you know?

Did you know that the biggest ice cream sundae ever made weighed over 24 tons? That's heavier than a full-grown elephant! It was created in Edmonton, Canada in 1988 and used a whopping 8,865 liters of ice cream. Talk about a colossal craving!