The History of Shaved Ice

Now that we have learned about when and where snow cones originated, we need to know the same about shaved ice. So, here’s our second history lesson for the day!

In 1934, inventor Ernest Hansen patented the first known "ice block shaver" in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was inspired to create a more refined and hygienic version of the popular Italian ice sold from push-carts in the city. His wife Mary created many flavors of fresh syrups to flavor his finely shaved artificial "snow". "Sno balls" have been popular in New Orleans ever since that time. Hansen continued to work at the original Hansen's Sno-Bliz in Uptown New Orleans on Tchoupitoulas Street through 2005. His granddaughter, Ashley Hansen now manages the daily operations. Mr. Hansen died in late 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina and his wife passed away in March 2006.

There are differences between a New Orleans "Sno Ball" (Shaved Ice) and a "Snow Cone." While a Snow Cone consists of hard, crunchy ice and limited amounts of syrup, a “Sno Ball” (Shaved Ice) is made from a very fluffy shaved ice about the same consistency of actual snow and is drowned in syrup. It is customary to eat it with a straw and a spoon.

(Source: Wikipedia)