Across much of the country, the warm weather has arrived.
It won’t be long before the heat has us all longing for swimming pools and
icy-cold drinks. This summer, you can cool off with the all-American popsicle,
one of the most iconic and versatile summer treats. No matter what your taste,
there is a popsicle for you, or you can create one. Here are seven fun facts
about popsicles and ways that you and your family can enjoy them this summer.
1. Who Invented the Popsicle?
The popsicle was invented accidentally in 1905 by 11-year-old
Frank Epperson. Epperson lived in San Francisco, and the story goes that he was
stirring up a flavored beverage from powdered mix and water, and he
absent-mindedly left it on his porch with the stirring stick in it. Overnight,
it froze, creating the first recorded popsicle. What a lucky mistake!
2. First Popsicle Called the Eppsicle
In 1923, he patented his invention as “frozen ice on a
stick” and initially called them Eppsicles, but his children renamed them
Popsicles. Unilever bought the product from him after just a few years, and
that company still owns the name brand, though “popsicle” has become a generic
term for those delicious frozen treats.
3. There Were 7 Original Flavors
The original 7 popsicle flavors are banana, cherry,
grape, lemon, orange, root beer, and watermelon. There are now more than 25
flavors of Popsicles, but cherry continues to be the stand-out favorite flavor
out of the more than 2 billion Popsicle ice pops sold per year.
4. Popsicles Around the World
The true generic term for a popsicle is an “ice pop,”
but they have a variety of names around the world. In the U.S. and Canada, the
term “popsicle” is most common, but in the U.S., they are sometimes called “freezer
pops.” In the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, you will hear the term “paleta.”
They are also called “ice lollies” in the U.K., “ice pops” in the U.K.,
Ireland, Indian, and South African, “icy poles” in Australia, “ice blocks” in
New Zealand, and “ice drops” in the Philippines.
5. Favorite Frozen Treats
Epperson’s original product inspired the creation of
fudgesicles, creamsicles, and other such delicious concoctions. Now, you can
find everything from simple fruit-inspired popsicles to complex frozen treats
to frozen adult beverages in the style of popsicles. Check out some of the
thousands of recipes online to inspire your own creations such as chai
popsicles, margarita popsicles, pickle juice popsicles, and even pea popsicles.
That’s one way to get kids to eat their vegetables.
6. The Popsicle Craze
Popsicle molds and accessories come in a variety of
shapes and sizes to fulfill your popsicle-making needs. Making your own frozen
treats at home allows you to control the amount of sugar in each popsicle as
well as to allow you to experiment with your favorite combinations of flavors
and add-ins to turn a simple childhood treat into something elegant. If you are
a fan of the ice pops that come in a plastic tube, you can buy zip-top
disposable bags made just for at-home ice pop creations. Some companies even
make specialty molds in the shapes of dinosaurs, zombies, monsters, and more,
which are sure to make the children in your life happy.
7. SuperFood Popsicles
Superberries Aronia berries are the perfect ingredient
for your at-home popsicle-making experiments. Their bright color make them
eye-catching and their bold flavor complements many of the sweeter fruits and
berries you might pair with them. They are so jam-packed with vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants that you can feel confident you are providing a
healthy snack for your family. Try some of these recipes or let them inspire
your own creations. 7 Super
Cool Aronia Berry Treats from Superberries
