July is National Ice Cream Month. The exact origin of ice cream is unknown, but the dessert is loved by many. Did you know these ice cream facts?
- The U.S. ice cream industry contributes more than $39 billion to the national economy
- More than 188,000 people across the country are employed through ice cream.
- The average American consumes 23 pounds of ice cream per year.
- President Thomas Jefferson has a detailed recipe for vanilla ice cream in the Library of Congress.
- The ice cream cone was first introduced in 1904 at the World’s Fair in St. Louis.
The month-long ice cream celebration was designated in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, who also declared the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. In his official proclamation, President Reagan recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation’s population, and he asked everyone to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
So we have a suggestion. What better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month than with a day-trip to the best little creamery in the world?
Blue Bell Creameries
Blue Bell was originally founded in 1907 in Brenham (approximately 70 miles northwest of Houston) and manufactured both ice cream and butter. Since 1919, it has been run by members of the Kruse family, and it dropped butter production in the mid-20th century. The company was named Blue Bell Creameries in 1930 after the native Texas Bluebell wildflower, which thrives in the summer.
Prior to its massive recall in 2015, it was the number three ice cream maker in the U.S. and sold in 23 states. At one time, the company produced over 250 different frozen products. Following the shut down in production, the company is thriving again. As of June, it is the fourth highest-selling ice cream brand in the United States. The Blue Bell line of more than 40 flavors and can be found in 17 states.
Since 1997, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla has been the best-selling single flavor of ice cream in the U.S, and it accounts for nearly 60% of Blue Bell sells. And it has some famous followers. President George W. Bush often had Blue Bell ice cream shipped to Camp David during his administration. And astronauts aboard the International Space Station have been treated to Blue Bell ice cream to improve the crew’s happiness quotient.
So take a ride to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham. You can enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor and get a first-hand viewing of how they make ice cream from the Blue Bell Observation Deck. You can also shop in the Country Store and learn more about the history of Blue Bell in the Visitor Center. Plan your trip this month!