The Inside Scoop

Written By Guest User
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Katherine Lin (G11)

With summer having just passed by, I’m sure the taste of ice cream is still fresh on our tongues. Although ice cream is so widespread, how many actually know of its origins? In Katherine’s new article, “The Inside Scoop,” she leads us through the unexpected creation of our favorite summer treat.

Katherine’s childhood joys greatly revolved around ice cream and popsicles. However, she realized that she truly didn’t know the origin of this magical creation, prompting the writing of this article. She really hopes  you can find some remniscent qualities of the content and possible relive your own childhood sweetness.

Summer has graced our presence, and of course, there is nothing more suitable than ice cream. This cold, sweet treat has some sentimental value in all of our hearts. Behind its sublime taste, there is always a story, a friend, or a family member that makes ice cream all the more amazing.

“Made in China”

Surprisingly, a few of us know that ice cream was born right here in China. Although the ancient Persians and Romans were responsible for flavored ice, it was the Chinese who first added dairy to the mix. The first ice cream was eaten in China in 618-97 AD. King Tang of Shang had 94 workers, referred to as ice men, who helped make a dish of buffalo milk, flour, and camphor, more or less creating an ice cream-like product. With natural resources found from the wilderness, such as the juices of fruit, they were also able to create different flavors. Additionally, the first ice cream machine can also be accredited to the Chinese. They created pots that were then filled with a syrupy mixture. Then, they put that pot into a mixture of snow and salt to solidify the dessert. It is fascinating how this simple dessert that I have associated with the Western world for my entire life is rooted right here where I call home.

(Courtesy of Medium)

(Courtesy of Medium)


The Spread

“If ice cream was made in China, when did gelato appear in the picture?” It is said that the explorer, Marco Polo (1254-1324), after his excursion to China, brought some form of ice cream back to Italy in the 1300s. Then, Catherine de Medici (1519-1589), an Italian noblewoman who became France’s queen of consort from 1547 to 1559 after being married to King Henry II, brought the dessert to France. From there, the sweet treat diffused into different countries and cultures. Now, ice cream has become a household necessity. Not only does it support our emotional well-being, but ice cream is also a great source of minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. The phosphorus in ice cream helps prevent PMS and mood swings in ladies. Calcium, on the other hand, helps keep the bones strong and healthy.


béi jīng huān yíng (北京欢迎) ICE CREAM

(Courtesy of Baidu Images)

(Courtesy of Baidu Images)

Ice cream is such a versatile dessert, appearing in a variety of flavors and forms. Ice cream popsicles have made a name for themselves in Beijing— 老北京冰棍儿 (Old Peking Popsicle). During the 80s, ice cream popsicles only cost three to five cents (YES, RMB!) in Beijing. Ice cream popsicles were the spirit and essence of the summer season. My mother reminisces upon the sheer excitement of seeing a white trolley parked around the corner of the street, carrying an array of sweet icy treasures bedded in a fluffy white blanket. Unfortunately, the presence of old Peking ice cream trolleys is a simple joy that modernization and the 21st century have taken away from us.

Let me take you on a journey either down memory lane or to a childhood that you wish you had.

绿舌头, Green Tongue (Courtesy of Sohu)

绿舌头, Green Tongue (Courtesy of Sohu)

娃娃脸, Doll face (Courtesy of Sohu)

娃娃脸, Doll face (Courtesy of Sohu)

北冰洋鸳鸯双棒冰棍, Beibingyang Double Popsicle (Courtesy of Sohu)

北冰洋鸳鸯双棒冰棍, Beibingyang Double Popsicle (Courtesy of Sohu)

老北京雪糕, Old Peking Ice cream Popsicle (Courtesy of Sohu)

老北京雪糕, Old Peking Ice cream Popsicle (Courtesy of Sohu)

Our favorite ice creams transport us back to our favorite memories. I, for one, have a particular affiliation with the 绿舌头 (green tongue) popsicle. I was so obsessed with its floppy and gelatinous appearance. In addition, the popsicle had a sharp refreshing green apple flavor that linked appropriately with its (almost-scarily) neon green exterior. And the best part of all? It left my tongue dyed green...perfect for jeering at my older brother.

Our favorite ice creams unlock our childish hearts amid this all-too-serious world. Isn’t it ironic that ice cream can be so heartwarming?

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