Popsicle, a masterpiece made by accident

September 2 is National Blueberry Popsicle Day. The popsicle was invented by an 11-year-old boy in 1905, and it was a fluke. Young Frank Epperson didn’t set out to create a treat that would keep kids happy and cool on summer days for generations to come.

He mixed some soda powder and water in a glass with a small wooden stirrer, then adventure called, and he wandered off. He forgot about his drink, and it remained outside overnight. It was cold in the San Francisco Bay area that night.

When Epperson went outside the next morning, he discovered the first-ever popsicle waiting for him, trapped frozen inside its glass. He ran the glass under hot water and pulled to pull the icy treat out using the stirrer.

He licked the frozen treat off the stirrer and decided it was pretty good. History was made and an entrepreneur was born. Epperson named the treat an Epsicle, taking credit where it was due, and began selling them around the neighborhood.

Fast-forward 18 years to 1923. Epperson saw a bigger and better future for his Epsicle, and he applied for a patent for his “frozen ice on a stick.” He described the treat as a “frozen confection of attractive appearance, which can be conveniently consumed without contamination by contact with the hand and without the need for a plate, spoon, fork, or another implement.”

Epperson recommended birch, poplar, or wood-bass for the stick. Now a grown man with children of his own, Epperson deferred to the patent office’s request and renamed the treat popsicle, as in “Pop’s Sickle.”

He moved beyond the neighborhood and began selling his popsicles at a California amusement park. There aren’t many foods out there that are blue. We’ll admit that part of the reason we love this holiday so much is because of the uniqueness of the blueberry. Here is a recipe to get you ready

4 cups fresh blueberries

⅓ cup fresh basil optional

⅓ cup honey

In a blender or a food processor, add the blueberries, basil, and honey. Turn on high and blend until the mixture is smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place the wooden popsicle sticks in about ¾ way down. If you want the popsicles to be completely smooth, you can pour the mixture through a thin sieve before pouring into the molds. Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours to set. To easily remove them from the molds, run the outsides of the molds under hot water for a few seconds to loosen them.