National Ice Cream Day
Ice cream holds a unique place in American culture and dietary habits. Notably, 19% of Americans indulge in this frozen treat while in bed, with a smaller 3% enjoying it in the bathtub—a clear testament to the versatility and appeal of ice cream as a comforting dessert.
Historically, ice cream has seen various adaptations and uses in popular culture. In the early days of television, mashed potatoes were cleverly employed to simulate ice cream on cooking shows, as real ice cream melted too quickly under the harsh studio lights.
In a nod to its cultural significance, Missouri selected the Ice Cream Cone as its official state dessert in 2008, highlighting the treat's enduring status in American life. Furthermore, French ice cream is noted for its richness, being enriched with egg yolks, which adds a luxurious texture and flavor.
Interestingly, more ice cream is sold on Sundays than on any other day of the week, which suggests a tradition of treating oneself at the end of the week or perhaps enjoying it as a family activity.
According to U.S. standards, the production of ice cream involves specific criteria: it must contain a minimum of 10% milk fat and 20% total milk solids, while the maximum allowable overrun is 100%. Overrun refers to the air whipped into the mixture, with 100% overrun effectively doubling the mixture's volume. Each gallon of ice cream should weigh a minimum of 4.5 pounds, underscoring its creamy density.
The average American consumes approximately 5.5 gallons of ice cream per year, based on data from 2005. To produce just one gallon of ice cream, about 12 pounds of whole milk is required, demonstrating the ingredient's richness.
In terms of flavor preference, vanilla consistently ranks as the top flavor in the U.S., followed by chocolate, the classic combination of vanilla/chocolate, and fruit flavors. Cookies and cream also find a notable place among popular choices.
Neapolitan Ice Cream, characterized by its layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, also carries a rich history. Originally crafted by ice cream makers in Naples during the early 19th century, particularly by Tortoni, this layered treat signifies the culinary craftsmanship of its origin. The term ‘Neapolitan’ is also used for any molded dessert with three layers and originated in the U.S. during the late 19th century, presumably as a tribute to the famous layered ice cream cakes of Tortoni and the Neapolitans.
