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There are almost as many ice cream origin stories as there are flavours, but where did the frozen treat really come from, and who invented it?

Rajan Datar explores the dessert\u2019s murky history, from the harvesting and flavouring of snow in China and the Middle East thousands of years ago, to the experimental kitchens of the European aristocracy.

Ice cream\u2019s evolution has, of course, closely followed that of refrigeration \u2013 we learn why salt was crucial for keeping early versions cold, and hear about the daring entrepreneur who began the global ice trade. Plus, who really invented the ice cream cone?\n \nProducer: Simon Tulett

Contributors:

Robin Weir, author of \u2018Ice Creams, Sorbets and Gelati: The Definitive Guide\u2019;\nNajmieh Batmanglij, Iranian-American chef and cookbook author;\nDr Melissa Calaresu, Cambridge University;\nFarid Rostami, co-founder of Silk Road ice cream.

(Picture: A woman licking an ice cream. Credit: Getty images)

To find out how to make ice cream yourself visit www.bbc.co.uk/food/ice_cream