Ice Cream Facts

U.S. Ice Cream History
Until the 1800s, ice cream was a treat for the elite. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were ice cream buffs; President Washington spent almost $200 in the summer of 1790 to serve ice cream to guests at the White House. President Jefferson's staff prepared homemade ice cream from Jefferson's personal recipe.

The People's Choice
During World War II, ice cream was the most-enjoyed treat worldwide, primarily due to the fact that ice cream became a morale symbol for troops. Today, based on national ice cream sales, the preferred flavors of ice cream are vanilla (in first place), chocolate, butter pecan, and strawberry. Ninety percent of households in the U.S. eat ice cream, and it is estimated that at-home consumption of ice cream has reached approximately $9 billion.

Care and Treatment
Ice cream is highly perishable and suffers adverse changes to texture and flavor when exposed to temperatures above 10 degrees. When purchasing ice cream, make it your last purchase and transport in insulated bags or coolers. Always return ice cream to the freezer immediately after serving - repeated softening and refreezing of ice cream causes formation of ice crystals and changes texture and taste. Ice cream is easiest scooped at temperatures of 6 to 10 degrees. Keep the container tightly sealed, and never store ice cream in the freezer door where temperatures fluctuate.