Canadians crazy for ice-cream

Courtesy of Rita Demontis, QMI Agency

June 9, 2010

Canadians certainly love a cold one.

Ice cream, that is.

And, while we don't need summer to officially signal ice cream season, it's good to know that, overwhelmingly, our nation just loves this treat. We're ranked seventh worldwide (the U.S. leads the pack in overall consumption with a yearly average of 23.2 quarts of frozen dairy products per person.)

Not bad for a treat that's been around for centuries, as far back as the Roman era when the Emperor Nero apparently served cream frozen in snow at his legendary banquets.

But -- Canadian ice cream habits are as diverse as the country. Quebecers, for instance, are known for generously sharing, while those in British Columbia like to add a third scoop to their sundae.

In fact the latest results from an Angus Reid Public Opinion survey, conducted on behalf of Smucker's, revealed that Canada's ideal ice cream sundae is made up of one scoop of chocolate ice cream and one scoop of vanilla, topped with hot fudge syrup, whipping cream, strawberries and sliced banana served in a waffle cone or bowl.

Hold the cherry.

"We wanted the scoop from Canadians so we recently polled adults from coast to coast," says Sarah Palter, baking specialist for Smucker Foods of Canada. "Not only did the research help us create the 'Oh Canada Sundae', but we also learned a number of quirky insights about Canadian ice cream habits."

For instance:

- Almost everyone likes to top off their sundae with syrup (89%).

- The most preferred syrup is hot fudge (38%) followed by a tie between chocolate and caramel (29%).

- Quebeckers prefer just fruit on their sundaes and do away entirely with whipping cream and syrup.

- Younger Canadians prefer chunkier and more textured ice creams such as Cookie Dough and Mint Chocolate Chip compared to Canadians over the age of 55 who prefer nuttier ice creams such as Maple Nut and Praline Pecan.

- The most cited unusual topping is peanut butter.

- 85% of Canadians are into savouring slowly, while only 6% like to gobble up the sweet treat quickly.

The survey also found out that a whopping 83% of Canadians celebrate Canada Day and that residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan celebrate more than any other province. Adds Palter: "Canadians' preferred festivities on our national day are spending time with family (43%) at a BBQ (34%) followed by fireworks (36%)."

We just want to enjoy a delicious sundae --it's part of our civic pride after all!

DID YOU KNOW

According to the Washington, DC -based International Ice Cream Association vanilla continues to be the most popular ice cream flavour, followed by chocolate, butter pecan, strawberry and Neapolitan. Also,

- More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week.

- Ice cream consumption is highest during July and August. July is National Ice Cream Month.

- Children ages two through 12, and adults age 45 plus, eat the most ice cream per person.

- The average number of licks to polish off a single scoop ice cream cone is approximately 50.

RECIPES

Need a smashing dessert fast? Fill store-bought crepes with chocolate ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce and dust with icing sugar

Quick Tortoni Delight makes a fabulous dessert: For each serving, combine 1 scoop of softened rum-raisin ice cream with 1 small coconut macaroon cookie, crumbled, and fold in 2 tbsp (30 mL) whipped cream. Spoon into paper-lined muffin pans and sprinkle with walnut crumbs. Freeze until firm

Create your own Iced Café Latte at home: Combine coffee- or vanilla-flavoured ice cream, cold strong-brewed coffee and ice cubes in a blender and blend until slushy.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Ice cream choices can be quirky according to Loblaws, who just recently introduced a line of President's Choice flavours reminiscent of old fashion ice cream parlour tastes. Here's what your selection may reveal about your personality:

- Sprinkle Party Cake Ice Cream: means you're always the hit of the party

- Mint Chocolate Ice Cream: you're the coolest one in the crowd, with a sweet side to you

- Cotton Candy: means you're just a big kid inside, regardless your age

- Mango: you're bright with an adventurous streak