Shaved ice is a large family of ice-based desserts made of fine shavings of ice and sweet condiments or syrups. Usually, the syrup is added after the ice has been frozen and shaved—typically at the point of sale; however, flavoring can also be added before freezing. The dessert is consumed worldwide in various forms and ways. Shaved ice can also be mixed with large quantities of liquid to produce shaved ice drinks. Many shaved ices are confused with "Italian ice", which is derived from the similar Italian dessert known as "granita". However, Italian ice, also known as "water ice", often has the fruit juice or other ingredients, like almond, incorporated into the sugared water before it is frozen. Shaved ice—especially highly commercial shaved ice (such as that found in food chains or from street vendors)—is often flavored after the ice has been frozen and shaved. Snow cones are an example of shaved ice that is flavored after production.

History

The use of stored and gathered ice for use in confections has been documented in ancient Persia since 400 BCE onward. In imperial Japan, the dessert was a treat reserved for royalty, as it was made of natural ice formed during the coldest period of winter, which was stored in icehouses. This made it very rare, and a luxury available only to Heian period nobles. Halo-halo is believed to be a Filipino indigenized version of the Japanese class of desserts, originating from pre-war Japanese migrants to the Philippines. The earliest versions were composed only of cooked red beans or mung beans in crushed ice with sugar and milk, a dessert known locally as "mongo-ya". Over the years, more native ingredients were added, resulting in the development of the modern halo-halo. Some authors specifically attribute the invention of halo-halo to the 1920s or 1930s Japanese migrants in the Quinta Market of Quiapo, Manila, due to its proximity to the now defunct Insular Ice Plant, which was the source of the city's ice supply. As Japanese people immigrated to Hawaii, they brought this tradition with them. Like Persia and Japan, warm areas in Hawaii are close enough to snow-capped mountains that snow can be brought to the warm areas without melting.

Regions

Shaved ice varieties can be found around the globe with Asia being a particularly popular region.

Americas

In Latin America shaved ice desserts have influences from North American cultures, in many of these locations the Spanish name is either raspado, or its variations; raspa, raspao, raspadinha (raspar is Spanish for "scrape"; hence raspado means "scraped", referring to the ice, therefore also meaning shaved), or granizado, granizada, granizo (from granizo, meaning hail stone).

North America and the Caribbean

US Brands

Central and South America

Asia

East Asia

In East Asia, shaved ice desserts are not only flavoured with various types of syrup. It is also common to add solid ingredients such as red bean paste, jellies, canned fruits, jams, sweetened condensed milk, and many other types of sweetened foods to vary the textures of the ice dessert.

Southeast Asia

South Asia

In South Asia, snow cones are enjoyed as a low-cost summer treat, often shaved by hand.

Middle East

Europe

Drinks

When large quantities of liquids are added to shaved ice, shaved ice drinks are produced