Time travel through the world of ice cream

Imagine traveling back in time - not to observe historical events, but to experience the evolution of one of mankind's most delicious inventions: ice cream! From the ancient peaks of China to the modern ice cream parlor around the corner - the history of ice cream isas colorful and diverse as its flavors. Immerse yourself in this fascinating history with us and discover how ice cream conquered the world!

The beginnings: ice cream "Made in China"

Our journey begins in ancient China, where snow and ice from the mountains were mixed with fruit mixtures, spices and honey to create a delicacy called "Shuangbing" well over 2,000 years ago. Back then, this delicacy was reserved for the rich.

In ancient Greece, snow was already being sold on the streets of Athens in the fifth century BC, transported to the capital from the mountains in the north of the country in buckets. It was probably used to cool wine.

Ice cream, a mixture of snow, fruit and honey, was already known and enjoyed in the Roman Empire. Emperor Nero regularly sent messengers to the Alps to fetch ice for his refreshing drinks.

From Nero to the Italian gelaterias

Centuries later, the Italians learned the secrets of ice cream production from China - although it is no longer clear whether it was actually Marco Polo who brought the idea from China to Italy, as is often claimed.

The first mention of gelato in Italy dates back to 1306, when a document from the monastery of San Lorenzo in Naples mentions a recipe for an ice cream made from milk, honey and rose water.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, "gelato" became increasingly popular in Italy, and the first world-famous ice cream lover was also Italian in the 16th century, namely Caterina de Medici. In the 17th and 18th centuries, gelato was refined further and further in Italy, new flavors were created, and the first mechanical freezing techniques using salt and ice were also developed in Italy.

With the immigration of Italians to other countries, the frozen treat eventually spread throughout Europe and the world. The Italians may not have invented gelato, but they are still the origin of today's ice cream culture.

Prominent ice cream lovers and the start of the triumphal procession

Ice cream attracted prominent connoisseurs. Louis XIV, King of France, had his own ice cream maker at his court. Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, had her own ice cream flavor called "Glace à la reine" ("Queen's ice cream"). Napoleon Bonaparte was a big fan of chocolate ice cream. US President Thomas Jefferson loved vanilla ice cream.

The first known ice cream parlor in Europe was also opened in France: the Italian Francesco Procopio opened the "Café Procopio" in Paris in 1660. In Germany, the first ice cream parlor, the"Alsterpavillon", opened in Hamburg in 1786. During this time, ice cream began to change from a luxury good to a pleasure for many.

The ice cream parlors at this time were often small stores selling ice cream from large metal pots. The ice cream flavors were usually simple and consisted of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

Production techniques and mechanization

While the first types of ice cream were simply made from snow or ice and fruit puree or, as in China in the Middle Ages, by dissolving nitric salt in water. salt in water, the 18th century saw a revolution The 18th century saw a revolution in ice cream production. The technique developed by the Italians of freezing ice cream using salt and ice spread throughout Europe. This meant that ice cream could now also be produced in the summer months ,

The American Nancy Johnson invented the first crank-operatedice cream machine in 1843. These mechanical ice cream machines, one of the first of which was purchased by the American president and ice cream lover George Washington in 1784, ushered in a new era of ice cream production as they used cooling and stirring to achieve a creamier consistency. Jacob Fussell opened the world's first ice cream factory in Baltimore, USA, in 1851. The USA was also the technological pioneer in the field of ice cream.

The breakthrough of the electric refrigerator in the 1950s revolutionized ice cream production once again. While refreshing ice cream was hard to come by for many centuries, it became a mass product that was always available everywhere. Times change, because many centuries ago, Emperor Nero threatened his ice cream messengers sent to the mountains with an encounter with his lions. with an encounter with his lions if the precious ice melted on the way...

The birth of the German ice cream parlor

The large-scale commercial sale of ice cream in Germany began in the 19th century. The first ice cream parlors were opened in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. In the following decades, ice cream parlors spread throughout Germany.

The first ice cream parlours in Germany were opened by Italians, because Italy was then, as it is today, the center of ice cream production and culture. Italian ice cream makers brought their knowledge and skills to Germany and opened ice cream parlors in the big cities.

Incidentally, the term "ice cream parlor" originated in Germany after the Second World War , when ice cream was often sold out of residential buildings due to a lack of alternatives.

Modern innovations and nostalgic feelings

In the 20th century , inventions such as the waffle cone, ice cream on a stick and the introduction of soft ice cream and frozen yogurt laid the foundations for the variety of ice cream we enjoy today. Soft ice cream as it was in the GDR era is experiencing a revival today and evokes nostalgic feelings. At the same time, modern ice cream makers are venturing into experimental creations with ingredients such as activated charcoal, ginger or even meat.

Ice cream today: a global pleasure

From traditional recipes to modern creations , ice cream is now an integral part of global culture and is enjoyed in all corners of the world, even Antarctica!

The history of ice cream is a fascinating blend of cultural heritage, culinary creativity and technological innovation. From the ice houses of Mesopotamia to modern ice cream machines, ice cream has become a universal symbol of indulgence and innovation.

Maybe the next time you eat ice cream, you'll think about the incredible journey behind every spoonful!