As the summer sun beats down on Puerto Peñasco, there’s no better way to cool off than with a delicious scoop of ice cream. But as I was enjoying my favorite flavor of peanut butter chocolate, I wondered, where did this delicious bowl of cold creaminess originate from?
Ice cream, even though it goes by various names, gelato, sorbet, custard and yogurt has a history as rich and diverse as its flavors. Contrary to popular myths about Marco Polo or Catherine de’ Medici introducing ice cream to the West, its true origins trace back to ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The earliest version was a fermented milk mixture, flavored with camphor and thickened with flour. (Yes, camphor?)
The art of freezing food using salt and ice, likely a Chinese invention, spread slowly westward. It wasn’t until the 17th century that ice cream as we know it began to appear in Europe. In 1671, it made its debut in England at a royal banquet in Windsor Castle, served exclusively to King Charles II and his closest guests. (I’m really curious what flavor they served.)
The 18th century saw the development of custard-based ice cream in France, while the 19th century brought significant advancements with the invention of the ice cream machine in 1843. This innovation, coupled with the importation of ice from Norway, Canada, and America, made ice cream more accessible to the public.
The wonderful invention of mechanical refrigeration (hard to imagine not having it) in the late 19th century revolutionized the ice cream industry, allowing for mass production, storage, and transportation. This technological leap transformed ice cream from a luxurious rarity into a beloved everyday treat.
Here in Puerto Peñasco, aka Rocky Point, we have our own vibrant ice cream scene that reflects both this rich history and our unique local flavors. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy a variety of frozen treats that beat the Sonoran heat.
For those craving a taste of Americana, Dairy Queen offers not only a drive thru, but its famous soft-serve ice cream and Blizzards. It’s a popular spot for families looking for a quick, cool treat after a day at the beach. But one of my favorites, Thrifty Ice Cream is a must-visit. Their iconic cylinder scoops have been delighting taste buds since the 1940s. Just down the street, you’ll find Max’s Cafe with ice cream cones, as well as dessert menus in restaurants in town such as Candy Cake, Grapes & Barley among others offering a scoop with a dessert or fried ice cream.
If you’re in the mood for a more traditional Mexican ice cream experience, keep an eye out for the local ice cream carts filled with paletas (Mexican popsicles) and other frozen treats. These flavored popsicle like fruit flavored bars brings the charm of old-world ice cream vending to Rocky Point, offering an array of flavors that often include local favorites like coconut, mango, and tamarind. Their tinkling bell is music to the ears of kids and adults alike on a hot day. You can find them on the beach and on the streets.
But why stop there? Head over to Rodeo Drive and discover Consuelo’s, a local gem of unique gifts, and yes hand packed ice cream cones at an old-fashioned price. There’s also La Michoacana, with several locations around town featuring yogurt, ice cream, and tasty toppings, and for a frozen slush, try this charming spot for raspados, (which are Rocky Point Times staffers Mario and Alicia’s favorite fruit slush) at Oasis Raspados on Simon Morua & San Luis across from the church. They also love pistachio black cherry and Banan nut from Thrifty.
If you’re feeling inspired, why not try making your own ice cream? Home ice cream makers have come a long way since the days of hand-cranking. Modern machines can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, letting you experiment with flavors like avocado, corn, or even garlic (yes, that’s a real thing!). Personally, I love healthy ice cream, so my next wish is a Ninja Creamy ice cream machine.
Here are a few more fun facts to impress your friends while enjoying your cone:
1. The ice cream cone was invented by accident at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The ice cream vendors ran out of cups and the local waffle bakery booth helped out!
2. Hawaii’s favorite ice cream flavor is coconut, while Rocky Road reigns supreme in California.
3. The most popular ice cream flavor worldwide is vanilla, followed by chocolate.
4. In the 1800s, ice cream sundaes were invented as a way to circumvent laws prohibiting the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays.
5. What’s the difference? Ice cream is made with cream, milk, and sugar, churned while freezing to incorporate air. Gelato uses more milk than cream, less air, and is served at a slightly warmer temperature, resulting in a denser, silkier texture. Custard is similar to ice cream but contains egg yolks for a richer flavor. Frozen yogurt is made with yogurt instead of cream, offering a tangy taste and lower fat content. Sorbet contains no dairy at all, consisting mainly of fruit puree, water, and sugar, making it lighter and often dairy-free.
Whether you prefer your ice cream in a cone, cup, or straight from the carton (we won’t judge), Puerto Peñasco has something for every palate. So next time the temperature rises, treat yourself to a scoop or two. After all, life’s too short to skip dessert!
