WASHINGTON — We have all heard of ice cream but have you ever heard of "snow cream"?
The southern staple is a cold treat that uses fresh snow as the main ingredient in an ice cream-like dessert. According to Southern Living, there is evidence of snow being incorporated into desserts as far back as 2700 BC.
What you need to make snow cream:
- A bowl of fresh, untouched snow
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- Vanilla extract to taste
- Cream of choice, such as evaporated milk, half-and-half of a non-dairy option such as oat milk
Pro-tip: Southern Living suggests grabbing a metal bowl and placing it outside while the snow is falling to make sure your snow is fresh, untouched and perfectly fluffy.
How to make snow cream:
- Mix cream, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl and place it in the fridge while you grab your snow
- Stir in the snow until the mixture resembles a thick milkshake texture
- Enjoy!
Sounds delicious but is it safe to eat?
In 2022, the Washington Post asked the same question.
According to WaPo, scientists have found that new snow can contain gross stuff like pesticides and even formaldehyde. However, the substances are at extremely low levels, meaning it is technically safe to eat. So, if you wait a few hours and then grab a bowl of snow that piles up midway through the storm, you'll be more likely to eat nothing more than pure, frozen water.
No matter the time, the snow you grab should always be clean and clear, never discolored. You should stay far far away from any snow that has already been plowed or has touched areas treated with ice melts, like sidewalks or roads.
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