Summer has always been associated with popsicles in varying fruit flavors. But of course, blueberry popsicles always occupy a special place in the hearts of some people.

Blueberry popsicles are underrated in comparison to other similar summer treats. But did you know that there's a holiday devoted to them? It's called National Blueberry Popsicle Day.

Observed on Sept. 2 every year, this occasion kickstarts National Blueberry Popsicle Month, which aims to honor Frank Epperson, the creator of the yummy treat.

Blueberry popsicles first came to being in 1905. Epperson, who was 11-year-old at that time, accidentally invented the cold snack as he was trying to make himself some icy soda. Eager to infuse blueberry flavor into his treat, he stirred some powdered soda into a glass of water.

However, he forgot the mixture on the porch with the stirring stick in it. Interestingly, the temperature in California hit a record low that night and the soda froze into the glass. Epperson found the concoction the morning after and it was then that he unlocked his very first popsicle.

In 1922, Epperson introduced his accidental creation at fireman's ball. Surprisingly, it became a huge hit right away. After his product's initial success, Epperson went on to make the dessert commercially famous by selling it at an amusement park in Alameda, California. Epperson named it "epsicle" at first, but it was eventually renamed "popsicle."

Epperson worked with the Joe Lowe Company in New York afterward and began distributing the frozen treat all over the country.

Although blueberry popsicles are expected to have the same watery texture just like other fruit popsicles, there are now many versions of this treat that are creamier, mainly because ingredients like yogurt and cream are added to them.

Has reading about blueberry popsicles' history made you crave the icy treat? If so, below is a simple recipe for the widely loved ice-lolly. (Courtesy: Veggie Desserts)

Ingredients

  • Blueberries- You can use either fresh or frozen ones
  • Sugar- You need just a little to add some sweetness to the treat
  • Yogurt- You can use either sweetened and unsweetened yogurt. Other varieties such as vanilla or lemon yogurts will also work. Ideally, swirl some maple syrup on top of unsweetened yogurt to reduce the tanginess.

Steps to Make the Blueberry Sauce:

  1. Heat the blueberries and sugar with some water in a pan until the mixture turns into a thick sauce.
  2. Let the concoction cool down. Keep stirring it occasionally to avoid lumping.
  3. Layer the blueberries and yogurt in popsicle molds.
  4. Freeze them until they are solid.
popsicle
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