February 4, 2010
Eating Snow
It’s been an unusual winter here in Washington, D.C., with dozens inches of snow so far in a region that usually escapes with a mere dusting. I grew up in Vermont, so waking up to white-washed views still makes me smile (at least, until I remember that I no longer live in the shadow of a ski resort), but I’m clearly in the minority. With another significant storm forecast for the weekend, local news reports are full of man-on-the-street quotes along the lines of, “I’m so sick of snow!”
Snow cream, courtesy Flickr user Chris Breeze
Which, tangentially, reminds me of a rumor I’ve often heard: eating snow makes you sick. Is that really true? I often put snow and icicles in my mouth while playing outside as a kid, and don’t recall any ill effects. And although snow is more like a plate than an ingredient in my favorite winter treat, sugar on snow, I always end up eating some of it in the process.
According to this 2008 Associated Press article, yes, snow does contain bacteria. In fact, bacteria form the foundation of some snowflakes! But hey, life is full of bacteria; they’re not all harmful. The AP article notes that studies have not examined how humans are affected by consuming snow-borne bacteria. It offers a quote from a pediatrician who is “not aware of any clinical reports of children becoming ill from eating snow,” but cautions against “a meal of snow.”
Googling “eat snow” turns up all sorts of fluff. There’s an “eating snow” fan page on Facebook, at least two tongue-in-cheek YouTube videos about cooking with snow, and several snow-related recipes. Snow cream, a mixture of snow, sugar, milk and vanilla, sounds pretty good!
There are also snowy drink ideas: one food writer recommends a “snow julep;” another likes a “snow margarita.” And hey, speaking of putting weird things in coffee…okay, yeah, that would probably just make for cold, watery coffee. But you could make coffee using snow, like this guy did.
In other words, there’s no consensus on resolving this deep matter. Eat snow at your own risk. Just make sure it’s white.
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I think where one gets the snow from matters a lot. Extreme examples: snow fresh from a rural backyard vs 6hr old snow from beside a busy street.
Ymmm, sugar on snow. I wonder how it is with simple syrup?
Very interesting post. My kids all eat snow (the non-yellow variety), so far to no ill effects. Not that that’s a scientific conclusion. But I think we’ll up our sample and try out some new snow dishes if this 2 foot storm really comes to pass.
I’ve had fresh maple candy at a winter carnival in Quebec City which is made by pouring the hot candy onto snow. This is also mentioned in the _Little House on the Prairie_ books.
Very interesting post. More research should be done! Only evidence can prove this very important quandary.
I have to say that eating maple sugar on snow (that is, I guess, the syrup on snow, but we call it sugar because as Kathryn says it becomes candy like) makes me sick: it’s so darn sweet and deceptively easy to eat. In general, my rule is that if the snow is freshly fallen it’s pretty safe to eat. Not scientific, but I’m still alive!
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You should mention that we Vermonters keep a bucket of sour pickles close by while eating sugar on snow–to cut the sweetness. Also donut, which seem a lot less sweet when you’re eating maple syrup on snow. Mmmm. Enjoy the snow, Amanda!
I was just discussing this with Emily last night. I have no problems eating snow in the country in places like VT, but what about here in the suburbs? I guess once or twice can’t hurt the kids — I did see the snow, milk, sugar thing on a friend’s blog — and that’s what got me wondering if I was being over careful, or not. Maybe next time it snows I should let the kids try…. :)
I believe that fresh snow is good for health.but keep in mind extra in take of snow can lead to sickness……….Take care……..