With summer on the horizon it seems like the perfect time to take a look at a favorite summer dessert: ice cream. In fact, according to the experts this delectable treat has been around since Emperor Nero fiddled around while Rome burned.
But there’s a lot more to ice cream then just cream, sugar and fruit. Along with the long and flavorful history, your favorite ice cream flavor just may say something about you. But first, some interesting facts about ice cream that you may not know.
Interesting Facts about Ice Cream
Presently the U.S. is the top ice cream consuming country, followed by New Zealand, Denmark, Australia, and Belgium/Luxembourg. And while this sweet treat has been around for centuries, the first ice cream parlor in America opened in New York City in 1776.
So what are the most popular flavors? Well, you may be surprised, but according to the International Ice Cream Association (IICA), here are the top 10 favorite ice cream flavors:
- Vanilla, 29%
- Chocolate, 8.9%
- Butter pecan, 5.3%
- Strawberry, 5.3%
- Neapolitan, 4.2%
- Chocolate chip, 3.9%
- French vanilla, 3.8%
- Cookies and cream, 3.6%
- Vanilla fudge ripple, 2.6%
- Praline pecan, 1.7%
Keep in mind that along with the traditional flavors of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, there are a lot of different manufacturers today making their own unique ice creams, from Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey – banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts – to Haagan Dazs’ green tea – made from a highly sought Japanese Matcha green tea. And these are only two of the very interesting ice cream flavors with one-of-a-kind names.
According to Jillian Madison’s July 18, 2009, FoodNetworkHumor.com article entitled, “18 Unusual Ice Cream Flavors from Around the World,” some of the most unique flavors include octopus, squid ink, chicken wing and yam with coconut. They are all served in Asia, not the U.S.
What Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor Conveys about You
So you’ve finally selected your favorite ice cream flavor and now you wonder what that says about you. Obviously there are too many different flavors to describe each one, but here is a little insight into what we think the top-five IICA ice cream flavor favorites say about you.
If Vanilla is your favorite flavor…you are somewhat conventional with a great ability to fit in well with others. People often joke about things being in “plain vanilla wrapping,” as if vanilla is a simple flavor or something to be scoffed at. But the truth is that Vanilla is a foundation flavor that can be paired with so many things, ultimately making it (and whatever it is paired with) just that much better. Thus proving that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. And, yes, Vanilla ice cream may seem a little safe and traditional, but what it offers is comfort and a sense of home. It is warm, cozy nights and the glow of soft candles.
If Chocolate is your favorite flavor…you are tough and no-nonsense; after all, chocolate is the basis for Rocky Road, another perennial favorite (#14 on the IICA list). And if that doesn’t sound masculine and rugged, what does? Plus for some reason Chocolate ice cream has always seemed earthy and masculine, like it’s just screaming out to be eaten by John Wayne. So tie your horse up outside and sidle up to the bar for a refreshing Chocolate Malted.
If Butter Pecan is your favorite flavor…you’re a bit of a risk taker. While other people are more traditional, you prefer to color outside the lines. Mixing two such rich components – butter and pecans – together into one ice cream says you have luxurious tastes and are willing to push the envelope to get what you want. That might mean business ventures or sky diving – wherever your thrill comes from.
If Strawberry is your favorite flavor…you are sweet and sensual. After all, what could be sweeter than fresh berries? And remember the scene in “Pretty Woman” when Edward (played by Richard Gere) orders strawberries and champagne. He tells Vivian (played by Julia Roberts) the champagne brings out the flavor of the strawberries. How romantic can you get? Plus strawberries are the perfect dipping fruit for chocolate. Another romantic gesture. Yum!
If Neapolitan is your favorite flavor…you have a strong sense of who you are and what you want. Instead of just settling for one thing (in this case, ice cream flavor), you go for the gusto and get as many options as allowed. Why? Because you feel you shouldn’t have to settle. If you like more than one thing, why not have them all? However, be careful not to overdo or others will think you are unwilling to compromise.
So the next time the ice cream truck plays its song in your neighborhood or Ben & Jerry’s has their free ice cream day (April 12th), be sure to pick your favorite. And as you dip into the soft, delightful goodness of your favorite ice cream flavor you can ponder what your choice really says about you.
Sources:
- Madison, Jillian. "18 Unusual Ice Cream Flavors from Around the World," FoodNetworkHumor.com. July 29, 2009. Accessed 4/26/11.
- MakeIceCream.com accessed 4/25/11.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
