National Ice Cream Month isn’t until July, but the frozen treat is a popular dessert all year round. In fact, 87 percent of U.S. households have ice cream in their freezer at any given time. Between cartons in the kitchen and scoops from the shop, the average American eats about 23 pints of ice cream products each year.
More than two-thirds of Americans say vanilla is their favorite flavor, and it’s reigned as the best-selling ice cream for years. That’s largely because vanilla pairs so well with many other desserts, says Cary Frye of the International Dairy Foods Association. “It tastes great topped by whipped cream and fudge sauce in a sundae, with root beer in a float, or atop a warm slice of apple pie,” Frye says.
For ice cream lovers with more adventurous tastes, however, there are plenty of options! Many shops take pride in offering the most creative, offbeat flavors possible. Some of the wackiest include geranium, pine forest, sushi, and even pizza!
No matter the flavor, there’s no better treat than a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. It’s so popular that in 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday in July to be National Ice Cream Day. Celebrate the tasty holiday by using our easy recipe to make a personal serving of ice cream at home (see recipe at right). Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!