Ice cream is a beloved treat around the world, and what better way to enjoy it than on a bicycle? Bicycle ice cream vendors have become a popular sight in many cities, offering a unique and refreshing way to indulge in this frozen dessert. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the world of bicycle ice cream and why it’s such a sweet way to get around.
What is Bicycle Ice Cream?
Bicycle ice cream, as the name suggests, is a type of mobile ice cream vendor that is operated on a bicycle. These bicycles are typically equipped with a small freezer compartment that keeps the ice cream cold while it’s being transported around the city. The vendor rides the bicycle around town, often to popular gathering places such as parks, beaches, and festivals, and sells ice cream directly to customers.
Why Choose Bicycle Ice Cream?
There are several reasons why bicycle ice cream has become such a popular option for both customers and vendors alike. Here are just a few:
Mobility: One of the biggest advantages of bicycle ice cream is that it’s highly mobile. The vendor can easily move from one location to another, making it possible to reach customers in different parts of the city. This is especially important for outdoor events where there may be a lot of foot traffic.
Environmentally-friendly: Using a bicycle as the mode of transportation is also environmentally-friendly, as it doesn’t produce emissions like a car or truck would. This makes it a great option for those who are conscious about their carbon footprint.
Unique experience: Bicycle ice cream vendors offer a unique experience that customers won’t find anywhere else. There’s something special about getting ice cream from a bicycle that makes it more enjoyable than simply buying it from a regular store.
Low startup costs: Starting a bicycle ice cream business is relatively low-cost compared to opening a traditional brick-and-mortar ice cream shop. This makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs who want to start a business but don’t have a lot of capital to invest.
How to Start a Bicycle Ice Cream Business
If you’re interested in starting your own bicycle ice cream business, here are a few things you’ll need to consider:
The bicycle: The most important part of your business will be the bicycle itself. You’ll want to invest in a high-quality, sturdy bicycle that can withstand the weight of the freezer compartment and the wear and tear of daily use.
The freezer: The freezer compartment is also an essential component of your business. You’ll need to find a freezer that is small enough to fit on the bicycle but large enough to hold a sufficient amount of ice cream.
Permits and licenses: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain permits and licenses to operate a mobile food business. Make sure you research the requirements in your area and obtain any necessary permits before launching your business.
Marketing: Once your bicycle ice cream business is up and running, you’ll need to find ways to market your product to potential customers. Consider setting up social media accounts, creating flyers to distribute around town, and attending local events to showcase your product.
Conclusion
Bicycle ice cream is a fun and unique way to enjoy this beloved dessert while also getting some exercise and fresh air. Whether you’re a customer looking for a sweet treat or an entrepreneur looking to start a mobile food business, bicycle ice cream is a great option to consider. With a high-quality bicycle, a freezer compartment, and some marketing savvy, you can be on your way to serving up delicious ice cream on two wheels.
development of refrigeration technology
In 200 BC, the ancient Chinese discovered that if saltpeter was placed in ice, the melting point of ice would decrease.
Now we know that the main component of saltpeter is potassium nitrate, and the freezing point of potassium nitrate solution is lower than that of pure water. This is the same as throwing salt on the snow to melt it.
The ancients at that time certainly did not know this, but they knew that as long as ice and snow were mixed with saltpeter, the ice would melt automatically and absorb a lot of heat during the melting process. If you put a bucket with liquid food in the middle of the ice, the liquid food will be frozen!
With this little skill, all kinds of ice cream were made and eaten by people at that time. From the invention of the Chinese people to the end of the 19th century, this method has been the mainstream method of ice cream making. It has experienced the test of more than 2000 years.
After a long period of development, this technique gradually matured and was called the pot freezer method in the West. The salt used for cooling is not limited to potassium nitrate, and some will directly use table salt to achieve cooling.
Later, in the 1840s, the technology was improved, and the Americans invented the “hand cranked churn”. Although the principle of using salt to melt ice and absorb heat is still used, it has improved the efficiency of ice cream production to a level that previous people can not reach, and the ice cream made with this kind of thing is more smooth.
Finally, in the 1950s, the first ice cream factory came out, and ice cream realized industrialization. At that time, ice trade was in full swing in the United States. Every day, countless cargo ships carrying ice traveled to and from hot and cold areas, creating unique conditions for the prosperity of ice cream factories.
In the 1870s, refrigeration technology was invented, and people could finally get ice anytime, anywhere, regardless of the weather. All kinds of ice cream products, such as ice cream soda, sundae and cone, were invented at this time.
