About National Ice Cream Day
How many days until we can celebrate National Ice Cream Day? National Ice Cream Day. Save the date and mark your calendars for the upcoming National Ice Cream Day. Discover the history and traditions behind this delightful occasion. Wondering where National Ice Cream Day will be observed in 2024?
Celebrated every year on the third Sunday of July, National Ice Cream Day has its origins in 1984, when it was initially established as Ice Cream Month. This recognition of the beloved frozen treat started as a 31-day celebration through a joint resolution in Congress. President Ronald Reagan then solidified its status by proclaiming it an official holiday in 1984.
In his proclamation (No. 5219), President Reagan declared ice cream to be “a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by over 90 percent of the people in the United States. It enjoys a reputation as the perfect dessert and snack food.”
The Scoop on Ice Cream History
The history of ice cream can be traced back thousands of years. The Persian Empire, for example, used to gather snow from mountain peaks in the summer, store it in underground chambers called yachals, and enjoy it as a treat by pouring concentrated grape juice over it.
In the Tang Dynasty of China around 697 AD, people started freezing dairy with salt and ice, making early versions of ice cream. Although the invention of ice cream predates this period, many culinary experts credit Antonio Latini from Naples, Italy, for creating a milk-based sorbet in the 17th century.
In the United States, the first ice cream shops were opened by the Quaker Colonists, who brought their ice cream recipes from Europe. Even prominent figures like Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson relished this delectable dessert. Ice cream even made an appearance at the Inaugural Ball in 1813, thanks to First Lady Dolley Madison.
Augustus Jackson, an African American confectioner, contributed significantly to the development of ice cream recipes and manufacturing techniques in 1832. Later, in 1843, Philadelphian Nancy Johnson obtained the first U.S. patent for a small-scale hand-cranked ice cream freezer.
Today, there is an incredible variety of ice cream flavors to choose from. While Butter Pecan is widely popular in the southern regions, vanilla and chocolate remain the classic favorites. If you find yourself in Union Springs, the Marathon gas station is renowned for its exceptional hand-dipped ice cream.
According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the average American consumes approximately 20 pounds of ice cream per year, which is equivalent to about 4 gallons. As July brings peak temperatures during the summer, Americans celebrate National Ice Cream Month by indulging in this beloved frozen treat with friends and family.
Ice cream has deep roots in American communities. The IDFA reveals that most ice cream companies are family-owned and have been operating for over 50 years. Furthermore, the ice cream industry makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy, adding more than $13 billion directly and supporting nearly 29,000 jobs that generate $1.8 billion in wages. In 2021 alone, American ice cream makers churned out over 1.3 billion gallons of ice cream.
So, whether you prefer a classic favorite or enjoy venturing into new and creative flavors, take the time to savor a scoop of ice cream and join in the celebration of National Ice Cream Day!
All events on July 21st, 2024
