Ice Cream History

The history of a beloved treat: ice cream

Have you ever wondered when, where, and how ice cream came about? Here's a look at the history of a dessert that quickly became a favorite.

In the beginning

Ice cream history seems to indicate that it first entered the scene in the 1600s when it became a favorite of Charles I of England. While still more of a treat for the elite and rich, by the mid-1700s the news of the innovative dessert had spread to the United States. In fact, it was rumored that George Washington once paid nearly $200 for a recipe.

A rare luxury becomes an everyday treat

Part of the reason that ice cream was such a rare treat was because it took a lot of time and effort to make. Making it required a lot of ice, salt, and approximately 40 minutes of shaking and stirring. That was until 1847, when the first ice cream maker was developed.

Nancy Johnson is credited with developing and patenting the first ice cream maker. It was a simple design that featured a hand-crank that simplified the process. After receiving a patent for the ice cream maker, she sold the rights to William Young.

The evolution of the ice cream maker

Ice cream makers made the treat accessible to practically anyone. They not only made delicious treats, but they also greatly reduced the amount of time it took to make it.

Increasing availability

In 1851 Jacob Fussell, a milk dealer, made the frozen treat available to the public by using two larger versions of the original ice cream makers. He was then able to produce large amounts that could be resold to the public. Mass production combined with advancements in refrigeration and power helped secure ice cream's position as a popular treat.

Enhancing ice cream makers

As the treat became more and more popular, ice cream makers were enhanced to shorten the time required it took to make it and improve the overall quality. Today, there are still simple ice cream makers that use a hand-crank, but there also are ones available that are equipped with electronic motors. These models completely take the work out of making ice cream.

Ice cream makers continue to be improved. More and more ice cream makers are outfitted with features that make the process easy and convenient. Some of these features include built-in freezers and dishwasher-safe components. However, it's important to note that the more features a unit has, the more the unit will cost.

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