Philadelphia's Sweet Legacy: The Only Stand-Alone Shop for America's Oldest Ice Cream Company
Philadelphia, a city steeped in history, has long been a cradle of innovation and tradition. From the grand Philadelphia Art Museum to the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, the city's cultural institutions are legendary. But one of the most delightful and enduring legacies of the City of Brotherly Love is Bassetts Ice Cream, America's oldest ice cream company, with its sole physical location in the historic Reading Terminal Market.
A Sweet Beginning
Bassetts Ice Cream's story begins in 1861, a time when the United States was still finding its footing. Founded by Lewis Dubois Bassett, a peace-loving Quaker, the company started with a simple yet innovative approach: a churn powered by his trusty mule. Bassett's early flavors, like green tomato ice cream, might not be everyone's cup of tea, but his dedication to quality and a unique following kept the business afloat. When the Reading Terminal Market opened in 1892, Bassett made the move from Trenton, New Jersey, to Philadelphia, where his ice cream has been a beloved fixture ever since.
Philadelphia-Style Ice Cream: A Delicate Delight
Bassetts sells Philadelphia-style ice cream, a style named after Augustus Jackson, a Philadelphia native who served as White House chef for President Andrew Jackson. Unlike the dense New England ice cream, Philadelphia-style ice cream is a lighter, fluffier delight, free from eggs. This results in a scoop that is airy, sweet, and genuinely divine. While some ice cream makers cut corners by adding excessive air, Bassetts' approach is honest and traditional.
A Flavorful Journey
Bassetts offers a delightful range of flavors. While you'll find the classic choices like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, the company also presents unique offerings. From mango and cinnamon to matcha green tea, Bassetts caters to a variety of tastes. And during the fall, they even offer pumpkin ice cream, a seasonal favorite. Although the borscht-flavored ice cream served to Nikita Khrushchev during his visit to America might be a one-off, Bassetts' commitment to innovation and quality is evident in every scoop they serve.
