Artisanal ice cream is a dessert loved all over the world, but what is its history? Where did this treat that is now part of our summers and moments of pleasure come from? In this article, we trace the history of ice cream, starting from its origins to the present day, discovering the most important historical references and the evolution of this beloved dessert.
The Origins of Ice Cream: Antiquity
The earliest traces of ice cream date back to antiquity, more specifically to Mesopotamia and ancient China. As early as 2000 B.C., ancient Mesopotamians stored snow in deep caves to create refreshing desserts mixed with honey and fruit. However, it is in China, around 700 B.C., that we find the earliest example of an ice cream-like dessert: a mixture of snow, milk and rice that was served to the nobles of the Tang Dynasty.
Even in ancient Rome, Emperor Nero was known to bring snow in from the mountains to mix with honey and fruit to create a refreshing dessert, what we might consider a distant relative of modern ice cream.
The Middle Ages and the Arab Influence
During the Middle Ages, it was the Arabs who contributed greatly to the evolution of ice cream, with the invention of “Sharbat,” a dessert made from fruit juices and ice. From this word comes the term “sorbet,” a type of dessert that is still popular today, especially in Mediterranean regions.
The Arabs brought this technique to Sicily, where sorbet making became an art. It was in Sicily that sugar, rather than honey, began to be used as a sweetener, giving the ice cream a milder flavor and creamier texture.
The Renaissance: The Spread in Europe
Ice cream as we know it began to take shape during the Renaissance. Catherine de’ Medici, in 1533, introduced ice cream to the French court after her marriage to the future king of France, Henry II. It was through this connection between Italy and France that ice cream spread to Europe’s aristocratic courts, becoming an exclusive and refined dessert.
In the 17th century, ice cream also arrived in England, thanks to Charles II, who became a great fan of it. At this time, ice cream was reserved for the upper classes, as ice production and storage were very expensive processes.
Ice Cream in the 18th Century: The Birth of Modern Ice Cream
In the 18th century, ice cream finally became more accessible with the invention of the first ice cream machines. Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, a Sicilian cook, opened the first café in Paris, the famous “Café Procope,” which offered a variety of ice creams and sorbets to the public. This event marks an important moment in the history of ice cream, as for the first time ice cream became available to ordinary people, not just the nobility.
Ice Cream in America and the Modern Industry.
Ice cream arrived in the United States in the 18th century and soon became a very popular dessert. President George Washington was known to spend large sums of money on ice cream, and Thomas Jefferson was also a big fan, so much so that he created his own recipe for vanilla ice cream.
The real ice cream revolution, however, came in the 19th century with the invention of machines for the industrial production of ice cream, which made it possible to lower costs and increase the availability of this dessert. Since then, ice cream has evolved into many variations and flavors, becoming one of the world’s most beloved desserts.
Ice Cream Today: Tradition and Innovation
Today, ice cream comes in an infinite number of flavors and variations, from the most classic to the most innovative. Gelato Margherita carries on this centuries-old tradition, using high-quality ingredients and following the philosophy of “true taste.” Our goal is to offer ice cream that reflects the Italian artisanal tradition, while keeping up with the times and the preferences of modern consumers.
Conclusion: Ice cream has a long and fascinating history, rooted in antiquity and reaching to the present day, crossing cultures, continents and transformations. At Gelato Margherita, we are proud to continue this tradition, offering ice cream that combines artisanal quality and innovation. Follow us for more articles on the curiosities and history of the world of ice cream!
