The History of Strawberry Ice Cream

While the exact origins of strawberry ice cream are somewhat murky, we do know that this beloved flavor has been around for at least 200 years. While George Washington and Thomas Jefferson helped popularize ice cream in the U.S. early on, strawberry ice cream specifically got a boost from another president and his wife. In 1813, First Lady Dolley Madison, President James Madison’s wife, served strawberry ice cream at her husband’s second inauguration party. Ahead of serving the treat to guests, she and the staff kept the strawberry ice cream cold by storing it in basement vaults filled with large blocks of ice and hay for insulation. The treat was a hit at the event, and as time went on, the flavor became increasingly popular. Today, strawberry ice cream remains one of the most beloved ice cream flavors in the U.S. and is also popular in many other parts of the world.