When it comes to delicious desserts, ice cream has been a favorite of many people throughout the world for years, and for good reason. It’s refreshing. You can enjoy it during any time of the year. Ice cream is also the perfect dessert because it comes in an endless variety of flavors. But how did this frozen treat become so popular?

The exact origins of ice cream are uncertain, but there is evidence of people enjoying variations of this treat throughout history. According to some sources, Marco Polo is said to have introduced ice cream to Italy after his travels to the Far East. However, the history of this sweet favorite dates back even further than that. In fact, the Bible refers to King Solomon drinking “cooling iced drinks” during the harvest. Also, Roman Emperor Nero often sent people to gather snow from the mountains, which he'd then flavor with juices and fruits. 

By the 17^th century, the European aristocracy began transforming their favorite icy drinks into frozen treats. They added sugar to create what is now known as sorbet. The author of the original written sorbet recipe is Antonio Latini. He’s also the person responsible for coming up with sorbet with a milk base, which is often considered by historians to be the first official ice cream.

By 1660, this sweet treat was made widely available to the public. Procopio dei Coltilli introduced a recipe calling for milk, butter, eggs, and cream. The recipe made its debut at Café Procope, which was Paris’ first café. 

It officially appeared in America in the 18^th century. On May 12, 1777, the dessert had its first advertisement in the New York Gazette, when Philip Lenzi, a local confectioner, announced the daily availability of ice cream in his shop. For a while, it remained a rare dessert enjoyed primarily by the country’s elite. However, with the invention of ice-making machines and refrigerators around 1800, ice cream became a mass-produced product in America, which increased its availability to the public. 

The production of ice cream was constant from the 1940s through the 1970s. With supermarkets selling more prepackaged ice cream, though, the traditional parlors that had been popular for decades began dying off. However, in recent years, specialty ice cream shops have once again surged in popularity.

If you’re in the mood for a delicious frozen treat, stop by Tropilicious Ice Cream Shop in Honolulu, HI. Their quality handcrafted ice creams are made in-house with fresh ingredients. From Lilikoi sorbet to Green Tea ice cream, they have tasty flavors to satisfy everyone. Call (808) 847-1750 or visit their website today to learn more.