By: Yuxi Nan

In 1984, the 40th president of the U.S Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5219, declared July as the National Ice Cream Month. Many still celebrate by enjoying the hot summer with a big scoop of ice cream on their waffle cones.

The earliest ice creams were found in China, Persia, and even Rome. But it wasn’t until 1744 when ice cream was introduced to the public in the U.S.. Now, Americans are now the world’s largest consumers of ice cream, eating an average 20 pounds (9 kg) of ice cream per person each year, and over $6 billion spent annually, with California producing most of them.

There are over 1000 ice cream flavors worldwide, but Vanilla remains the most popular. Other flavors include Peach, Cookies ‘N Cream, Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate Chip. There is also a trend going on of adding new ingredients to ice cream that is not new. The new recipes include parmesan, brown bread, and even ginger. Dr. Alan Hirsch, founder of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, believes your favorite flavor reflects your personality. For example, people who like Vanilla ice cream tend to be impulsive, and Chocolate fans are lively, charming, and dramatic.

Nevertheless, ice cream is special to everyone, and will always be a tasty treat in the summer.