Snow cones — also called snow balls in some parts of the United States — are cool treats made with shaved ice and flavored syrups and served in a paper cone or cup. Snow cones are popular treats at amusement parks, sporting events, and beaches.
When snow cones were first invented is a bit of a mystery. Some trace the history of the snow cone back to the 1850s when blocks of ice began to be sold. Ice wagons would transport huge blocks of ice from factories to businesses.
Still others point to Ernest Hansen from New Orleans, who patented the first block-style ice shaving machine in 1934. It appears, though, that others had already come up with similar ideas years earlier.
Hansen's ice shaver was known for producing ice that had the consistency of snow, unlike other ice shavers that produced rough and crunchy ice. Today, snow cone machines can be purchased in stores and online.
Before long, though, all sorts of flavors became popular. Today, some of the most popular flavors of snow cones include banana, watermelon, pineapple, blue raspberry, lime, grape, blueberry, cherry, and coconut. One thing all these flavored syrups tend to have in common is that they come in bright colors!