What year was ice cream made?

The first ice cream was made in China as early as 2000 BC during the Shang dynasty. This dessert was made with a mixture of milk, heavy cream, sugar, and flavorings such as fruits and spices. The mixture was then frozen in a mixture of snow and salt, which acted as a coolant. King Tang used ice brought in from the mountains and mixed it with fruit juices to create a cooling dessert. Around 618 B.C., Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty enjoyed "pear frost," a frozen milk product. Marco Polo brought fruit ices to Europe from the East in the 13th century. Later in the 16th century, Italian Catherine de’ Medici introduced ice cream (sorbetto) to France when she married Henry, the Duke of Orleans. Ice cream was made and consumed by only the wealthiest at first.