Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Ice cream" in English language version.
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A yakhchal (ice storage) was an ancient Persian freezer. By at least 400 BC, Persians had developed techniques for storing ice, which was gathered during the winter or carried from the tops of mountains, in large insulated underground chambers topped by domed structures. This innovation allowed ice to be available throughout the summer, even in the desert. A favorite use of this stored ice was in one of the earliest frozen desserts; the forerunner of all ice creams and sorbets, this ancient Persian mixture included ice, honey, and various flavors, notably saffron and fruits.
The culture of sweetness was one of luxury and innovation: ancient Persia is even credited as inventing the first ice cream-like foods, which originated as far back as 550 BC.