National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is celebrated on January 15. As the name suggests, it is time to try some strawberries in your ice cream! It was more traditional to eat your ice cream with strawberries as a topping. Strawberries are also a popular complement to chocolate and cream and so many other desserts. This day, however, celebrates strawberries in their delectable ice cream form.
History of National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
The history of Strawberry Ice Cream Day is unknown. The origins of ice cream, however, are better recorded. Some say it was the Romans that invented the practice of mixing ice with fruits and other flavors. Emperor Nero was said to have sent runners up the mountains to fetch snow and ice for this purpose. Others say it was the Persians who first indulged in the practice. There are also varied reports about who is credited with spreading the concoction across Europe.
Whomever the credit goes to, it was the discovery of the endothermic effect that allowed for the invention of ice cream as we know it. The first record of this comes from Panchatantra, where salt was added to cream to lower its melting point, allowing it to freeze at a higher temperature.
One of the earliest references to ice cream in North America is recorded in the “Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography:” “Among the rarities..was some fine ice cream, which, with the strawberries and milk, eat most deliciously.” Strawberry ice cream itself may have been invented between the 18th and 19th centuries.
Ice cream, however, remained a treat for the upper classes until a Swiss entrepreneur by the name of Carlo Gatti set up an ice cream stand in London in 1851. It was very difficult to store ice at that time but Gatti built an “ice well” in which he stored the ice that he procured from the Regent’s Canal. He sold ice cream scoops in “shells” for a penny each, and he eventually became successful enough to start importing ice from Norway for his business.
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day timeline
Chemist Nicolas Lemery publishes a collection of “rare curiosities and novelties of the more admirable effects of nature” in which there are recipes for sorbets.
While ice cream was served in elite, private circles in the U.S. before this, and even to the public, the first parlor opens in New York City.
Marshall, dubbed the “Queen of Ices,” begins to write a series of cookbooks featuring ice cream.
Charles Taylor of Buffalo, New York, invents and patents the first soft-serve ice cream machine.
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day FAQs
Are there other days for different ice cream flavors?
Yes, if strawberry can have its day, can vanilla and chocolate be far behind? There’s coffee too. There is even a Strawberry Sundae Day!
Is there a National Ice Cream Day?
Yes, this day takes place on a different date in the month of July, which is National Ice Cream Month.
What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?
Gelato contains 70% less air and tends to be richer than ice cream. It is also lower in fat.
How to Celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
Eat strawberry ice cream
The obvious thing to do on this day is to buy strawberry ice cream from your favorite brand and relish it. Strawberry sorbet or any other form of frozen strawberry treat also qualifies if you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan. For a little more adventure, try a mixed flavor combination that you haven’t tried before.
Make strawberry ice cream
If you have an ice cream maker at home, now is the time to look up your favorite strawberry ice cream recipe online and whip up a delicious treat. There are also homemade ice cream recipes that don’t require an ice cream maker, so you can always try that out.
Convert a friend
If you have a friend or family member who only sticks to one or two flavors, and that doesn’t involve strawberry, use this day to buy them your favorite make and see if they like it better. If you’re making your own ice cream, you have an upper hand already.
5 Fun Facts About Ice Cream And Strawberries
A strawberry has 200 seeds
The average strawberry is covered in 200 seeds.
Women patented ice cream machines
Nancy Johnson from Philadelphia was the first American to patent a hand-cranked ice cream maker, while Agnes Marshall also patented a similar machine in England.
Americans consume a lot of ice cream
The average American leads the world with an annual consumption of around 23 pounds or 46 pints of ice cream per year.
Americans consume much fewer strawberries
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consume around 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries every year.
California produces the most strawberries
The state accounts for 75% of the crop in the country, which is around 1 billion pounds.
Why We Love National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
It is an excuse to eat ice cream
If you’ve been craving ice cream and feel guilty about it, this day perfectly validates your cravings. Buy or make strawberry ice cream and enjoy it, knowing you’re part of a larger movement.
It’s social media friendly
It’s a “cool” hashtag and makes for some great posts. You can even look up one-liners online that have been created for this day. Take a photo of you making the ice cream, or enjoying it at your favorite hangout, with loved ones, or just by yourself.
It is a treat for everyone
Long gone are the days when only the rich elite could afford ice cream. Ice cream is one of the most popular things to eat now and whether you’re eating alone, or with someone, it is a testament to the democratization of society.
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 15 | Monday |
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