A popular summer treat that everyone loves is ice cream, but did you ever wonder about the history of ice cream? Who could have possibly invented such a great treat? Well, it all started in Rome. The emperor Nero, gave orders to have ice brought from the mountains and mixed with fruit. China also had their own idea of mixing ice and milk mixtures. Europeans took this idea back with them from China and over the years, several ice cream ideas were tossed around, such as sherbets and milk ices. In the United States, during the 1700's, the governor of Maryland, Thomas Bladen, served ice cream to guests. Others who served it to guests were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The very first ice cream parlor to open its doors in America was in New York, and opened in 1776. The term was picked up by colonists and it was first called "iced cream". In 1903 a man named Italo Marchiony invented the ice cream cone. His customers would take off with his serving glasses leaving him with no choice but to make an edible cup. Jacob Fussel who lived in Baltimore, Maryland was the first to largely manufacture ice cream successfully. He purchased his dairy products from York County in Pennsylvania and sold them in Baltimore. With leftover cream he made ice cream which became increasingly popular. He opened a factory in PA, but eventually moved it to Baltimore. Throughout the 20th century, many new ice cream flavors were invented such as "cookies 'n cream". Whether buying it from the box or at a parlor, you're in for a treat.

Today, we add toppings and there are always new ideas on how to serve ice cream. We've come a long way from the early years in Rome. Dippin Dots sound familiar? Dippin Dots were created by scientists in 1988. It was only an experiment, but it became a business all over the United States. The ice cream is not sold in grocery stores, but you can find it at other locations and in malls. They have about 20 different flavors to choose from. Another business that started out small is Dairy Queen. It began in Illinois, during the year 1938. A man and his son experimented with dairy products and eventually came up with a tasty treat. The treat was featured in their friend's store and it was an instant hit. The first store opened in 1940. Now there are over 5,900 stores in the world.

As you can see ice cream has come a long way. We've learned a lot from the history of ice cream. New flavors are coming out constantly and ice cream hasn't lost its popularity. You will still find the occasional ice cream truck circling your neighborhood, but most customers buy their ice cream in local grocery stores or parlors. Today you find the frozen sensation all over. Sundaes are popular at parties as well as ice cream cakes. Ice cream is a part of celebration and happiness. Restaurants include ice cream with desserts and fast food has ice cream as a dessert choice. Ice cream is popular just about everywhere. You'll find it at baseball games, at the beach, at the mall, and many other places. Even Disneyworld has taken advantage of ice cream by making the Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream treat. Ice cream has become an essential dessert around the world. Whether you're ordering soft ice cream, sherbet, custard, or gelato, it all came from the same original idea.