A National Treat: Sundaes on Sunday

Grab a spoon and go ahead and splurge. Sunday is National Ice Cream Day.

So why is ice cream such a big deal? Here are some facts about one of America’s favorite desserts, provided by the International Dairy Foods Association:

• About 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream is produced each year.
• Nine percent of milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream
• July is actually National Ice Cream Month, as designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.
• The third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Day.

Here are three local spots to celebrate your Sunday with a sundae:

NIRVANAAH

• Where: 2086 NewPark Mall, Ste 2036 (Second floor of the NewPark Mall)
• Why: Nirvanaah is a new ice creamery in town that serves us your not-so-ordinary flavors that range from fruity flavors like lychee to specialty candy flavors like Ferrero Rocher.

• Where: 34980 Newark Blvd.
• Why: There’s always a flavor for everyone at Baskin Robins. Pick among 31 flavors like classic favorites like strawberry and mint chocolate or try a new flavor like Jamoca Oreo or the hero-inspired flavor of the month Super-Soldier Swirl.

COLDSTONE

• Where: 43562 Christy St. in Fremont
• Why: Watch the flavors come together at Coldstone. Pick among basic ice creams and have them mix in different fruits and candies.