From the courts of Persian kings to the kitchens of ancient Rome, frozen sweets have delighted taste buds for centuries.
We often associate ice cream with modern technology, where freezers make it easy to indulge in frozen treats. But what if we told you that ancient civilizations were already enjoying frozen desserts centuries ago—long before refrigeration was invented? From the palaces of Persia to the banquets of Rome, people have been making frozen delights for thousands of years. These early frozen desserts were often prepared with natural ingredients like snow, milk, honey, and fruit—crafted to create indulgent treats that symbolized luxury and creativity. In this article, we’ll dive into the rich history of frozen sweets and discover how ancient cultures invented the desserts we love today.
Ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) is often credited with creating the earliest forms of frozen desserts. As early as the 5th century BCE, Persian royalty enjoyed a treat made from snow and flavored syrups. Known as "sharbat" (which is also the root of the modern word "sherbet"), it was essentially a refreshing frozen concoction of snow, rosewater, and fruits. The Persians were known for their innovative approach to refrigeration: they stored snow in yakhchals (ancient ice houses) to preserve it for use in hot weather.
It wasn’t just a treat for the wealthy; these frozen desserts were often enjoyed in lavish feasts and ceremonial gatherings. The ice and snow were a symbol of wealth and power, as it was difficult for ordinary people to access these rare ingredients. Sharbat has evolved over time, and while it may no longer be made with snow, it laid the foundation for the modern sorbet.
The Romans took frozen treats to a different level, creating a luxurious dessert fit for emperors. During the reign of Emperor Nero (37–68 CE), the wealthy elite enjoyed frozen desserts made from snow and fruit. These desserts were often flavored with honey or wine, and were served during lavish feasts. Nero’s cooks would send slaves into the mountains to collect fresh snow, which was then mixed with fruit juices and served as an early version of frozen granita.
Roman use of snow and ice wasn't just about indulgence; it was also tied to their belief in the power of refreshment and coolness to revive the body. Much like today, the icy treats provided a sense of comfort and indulgence, but for the Romans, they were also symbolic of abundance and extravagance.
As we move into the Renaissance period, the techniques used by ancient cultures began to influence the development of the ice cream we know today. The introduction of sugar into European desserts during the 16th century led to the creation of sorbets and ice creams in Italy and France. Gelato, the Italian version of ice cream, has roots in these ancient frozen desserts, with creamy textures and fruit flavors.
In the 17th century, the French court also embraced frozen desserts, with chefs perfecting the use of cream and sugar. These innovations marked a clear transition from the snow-based treats of the ancient world to the ice cream we enjoy today, thanks to advancements in freezing technology and the creation of iceboxes.
Across these ancient civilizations, frozen desserts were more than just food—they symbolized wealth, innovation, and status. The idea of frozen food was closely tied to the ability to control resources, whether it was snow, ice, or the artistry of the cooks who could create these tantalizing treats. The use of frozen sweets in ceremonial and festive contexts also shows the importance of celebration and shared indulgence in human culture.
Today, these early innovations continue to influence our love for frozen desserts. As we experiment with plant-based and innovative flavors, we honor the creativity and resourcefulness of ancient chefs who transformed simple ingredients into luxurious delights.
