Where to get the best frozen custard on the Treasure Coast

Frozen custard is a type of ice cream made with egg yolks, cream, sweetener, sugar and a flavoring. Popular flavors are chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. It is kept at a warmer temperature than ice cream and has a denser consistency.

Frozen custard became popular in the 1920s after Coney Island vendors Archie and Elton Kohr realized that adding egg yolks to ice cream makes the texture smoother and makes it stay colder longer. The idea spread via traveling carnivals and garnered the attention of tennis player Theodore R. Drewes Sr., who sold it in Florida to earn extra money during his off-season. National Frozen Custard Day celebrating this sweet treat is Aug. 8 every year.

Here are the best frozen custard shops in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties:

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Abbott's Frozen Custard

In 1926, Arthur Abbott opened a frozen custard stand in Rochester, New York, and this launched Abbott's. The custard's recipe is still a secret, and they refer to their locations as "stands." There is outdoor seating and an outdoor ordering window as well as a drive-thru.

4140 20th St., Vero Beach; 772-567-7338; abbotscustard.com

Culver's

In 1984, Craig and Lea Culver, along with his parents, opened the first Culvers in Sauk City, Wisconsin. The chain is known for its frozen custard and ButterBurgers. There are two locations on the Treasure Coast. They are owned and operated by Dale Rockefeller in Jensen Beach and Gerald and Susan Smith in Port St. Lucie:

  • 10770 S.W. Tradition Parkway, Port St. Lucie; 772-345-2874; culvers.com

  • 4151 N.W. Federal Highway, Jensen Beach; 772-444-3541; culvers.com

Whit's Frozen Custard

Whit's was first opened in 2003 in Granville, Ohio, by Chuck and Lisa Whitman. Now it is a franchise in numerous states. There are two locations on the Treasure Coast. Both have vegan options and the Stuart location has outdoor seating.

1284 S.W. Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie; 772-777-4478; whitscustard.com

Eve Pierpont is a freelancer for TCPalm who looks out for the best things to do across the Treasure Coast. Do you have an upcoming event you want to be potentially included in this weekly roundup? Email it to her at [email protected]. You can also upload your event to TCPalm's event page at events.tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Best frozen custard in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties