It's undeniable that popsicles are the perfect summery treat, as refreshing as they are delicious. These frozen treats can come in any flavor you can imagine, from mango to chocolate to pickle. You might know how tasty these sweets are, but did you ever wonder how popsicles came to be? The original popsicle maker was none other than a forgetful 11-year-old boy.
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The First Popsicle Maker
It was 1905, and Frank Epperson just wanted a drink of soda. He got out a glass, filled it with water, poured in his favorite soda mix, and used a wooden stick to stir. Then, he got distracted, by who knows what- maybe his mother called for dinner time or his dog needed to be let out.
Frank didn't think about his soda until the next morning. He had left his glass of soda outside, and when he went to retrieve it, he found that the soda mixture had frozen completely solid. He ran the glass under hot water until he could remove the soda, using the wooden stick as a handle.
Inadvertently, Frank had discovered something life-changing, creating the popsicle! He began to make the ice pops for his friends, and in adulthood, Frank created the frozen treats for his children.
How Popsicles Earned Their Name
By giving the treats to his children, Frank stumbled upon the perfect name. He had been calling his invention "eppsicles," but his children began calling them "Pop's 'sicles." This name stuck, and they've been called "popsicles" ever since!
In 1923, the popsicle maker filed a patent for his brilliant invention. The frozen treats were an instant success, and Epperson eventually partnered with the Joe Lowe Co., who distributed them at entertainment sites like Brooklyn's Coney Island amusement park.
The first popsicles cost just five cents and came in seven flavors. One of these flavors was cherry, which is incidentally still the most popular popsicle flavor to this day! The Great Depression was the perfect time for the popsicle, as children were in need of a sweet distraction from the struggles and hunger that marked this era.
A few years after the frozen desserts were introduced to the public, the double-stick popsicle was created. This was also a hit, since one ice popsicle with two sticks allowed two children to enjoy a popsicle together for the price of one.
Make Your Own Popsicles!
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Although we have Frank Epperson to thank for this tasty summer treat, fortunately, we now have better popsicle-making options than leaving a glass outside in the cold. Making homemade popsicles is easy and fun, allowing you to choose your own flavors. Popsicle molds, which are a cousin of ice cube trays, are available on Amazon in a variety of shapes and sizes, from plastic molds to stainless steel. You can also go for popsicle bags if that's more your style when it comes to popsicle makers.
For fun, kid-themed frozen pops, the Tovolo Dino Ice Pop Molds are great for making your own popsicles. Made of flexible silicone and dishwasher safe, this set of four silicone popsicle molds is ideal for a summer afternoon. For any budding archaeologists, the popsicle sticks will reveal hidden fossils as the frozen popsicles are eaten. Just fill the ice cream mold with your favorite soda or fruit juice and enjoy! If you're having trouble removing your pop from the mold, run it under warm water until it comes out.
For a more classic pop tray, the Kootek Upgrade Popsicle Molds Set features six nonstick ice pop makers, a silicone funnel, and a cleaning brush for convenience. Each easy-release lid has a reusable pop stick with drip guards to keep your hands clean, and the molds are made of food grade materials. Puree fruits in a blender for a fruitsicle, or use soda for your own DIY popsicles. These are some of the best popsicle molds for a classic ice cream pop!
Here are some delicious popsicle recipes to enjoy summer to the fullest!
