MONTROSE, Pa. — It’s hot out, it’s sticky, and it’s summer. What month is it? July! By now many of you probably already know about July being National Ice Cream Month, but did you know the history of this delightful month? In 1984 both the House of Representatives and the Senate asked President Ronald Reagan to declare July National Ice Cream Month. He did, and now America has a wonderful excuse to eat as much ice cream as they want during July. Three of the most popular flavors are Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry. Back in the 1800’s, Chocolate was the most popular flavor. It wasn’t hard to make, and was a nice treat. Strawberry wasn’t quite as popular, but it still sold well. Vanilla, on the other hand, was a whole ‘nother story.
Vanilla beans were considered an exotic spice, and were much more difficult to acquire, making them a luxury that only the very rich could afford. As ice cream was mostly eaten by the rich and well to do middle class, Vanilla was reserved for the rich, and even they only had it at parties and important events. However, as vanilla flavoring became easier and easier to obtain, vanilla ice cream eventually began appearing on the menu of local ice cream wagons, making it more readily available to the general public. Suddenly, it replaced Chocolate as America’s favorite flavor!
Now, while Vanilla is very good, my favorite flavor is Salted Caramel. Caramel swirls in vanilla ice cream…pure heaven! Even the cows love it! What’s your favorite flavor?