Cherry Ice Cream Sundae by Steven Depolo on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4605024313/

Did you know that according to a study by research group, Bundle, Massachusetts was the 4th largest consumer of ice cream in 2012?

The dog days of summer are upon us, so now is the perfect time to curate the habit for this beloved and delicious dessert. Especially considering that some ice creameries are only open for the season, here are some tasty places in the greater Boston area you can get your fix this summer:

• Picco (South End):   House-made and perfect.  Including the “Adult” Ice Cream Soda (raspberry Belgian lambic + vanilla ice cream) and a stout milkshake!
• Fomu (Jamaica Plain, Allston/Brighton): Vegan, made from scratch and local ingredients with flavors such as Avocado, Cardamom Pistachio, Mango Habanero and Sweet Lavender.
• White Mountain Creamery (Boston College, Chestnut Hill): Vermont Maple Walnut, Peanut Butter Banana, Kahlua Brownie and it goes on. They even have sugar free ice cream if that’s your jam!
• Toscanini’s (Cambridge): Some of the best in ice cream since 1981.  Too many amazing flavors to choose from, so check it out yourself already!
• Churn2 (Cambridge): Do you like your liquid nitrogen-based ice cream served from a shipping container turned micro-food unit?  Then this is your place!
• Christina’s Ice Cream (Cambridge):  Over 50 flavors, so there’s bound to be at least one that speaks to your soul. There’s also the adjoining spice store next door.
• Batch (Ice Cream Truck):  Batch’s Ice Cream Truck operates only from April to October and can be found Sundays at SoWa Market, otherwise you can always pick up a pint of Brown Sugar Bourbon and Pecan at your local grocer.
• J.P. Licks (all over Greater Boston):  While they are open all year round, the flavors in the summer get down right fresh.  We’re talking about flavors like Peach, Cucumber, and Mojito Sorbet.   Kosher and made in Jamaica Plain with dairy free options abound, including hemp ice cream.

Do you have any other favorites?  We would love to hear about them!