History of the Snow Cone
In 1920, Samuel Bert of Dallas, Texas invented a snow cone-making machine. A year earlier, he sold chaved ice at the 1919 State Fair of Texas. Ernest Hansen, an inventor from New Orleans, patented an "ice block shaver" in 1934. He was helped by his wife, who created several flavors of syrup to be added to the shaved ice, which came to be known as "snowballs".
Snow Cones vs. Snowballs
"Snow Cones" and New Orleans "Snowballs" are not the same thing. Snow cones are made up of hard, grated ice and contain medium amounts of syrup. Snowballs are made of ice that is shaved to the consistency of snow with larger amounts of syrup. Snowballs are a popular item in New Orleans neighborhoods.
References
Fast Facts
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Also known as snowballs, shaved ice, or Raspados, depending on region
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Made in a variety of flavors and colors
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Flavors can be mixed and matched
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Served with a spoon or eaten like an ice cream cone
