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How did ancient civilizations make ice cream? - Vivian Jiang

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Ice cream has a unique role in our world’s history, culture, and cravings. The first accounts of cold desserts date back to the first century, in civilizations including ancient Rome, Mughal India, and Tang Dynasty China. Yet the cream-based delicacy we know today made a much later debut. So, how did the delicious sweet treat come to be? Vivian Jiang shares the scoop on the history of ice cream.

From what language does the word "sherbet" originally come?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Vivian Jiang
  • Director Masayoshi Nakamura, Good General
  • Narrator Susan Zimmerman
  • Composer Zak Engel
  • Sound Designer Zak Engel
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Shannon Odell
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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