Gelato, the sweet and cold treat available in a variety of flavours, is a favourite amongst all age groups. Whether you have this creamy delicacy as a mid-afternoon snack or as a dessert at night, nothing tastes quite as divine as gelato ice cream! Read on to know more about the riveting history and refreshing facts that you might not know about the popular Italian dish.
Fascinating Facts About Gelato
It Means ‘Frozen’ In Italian
The word gelato is derived from an Italian word congelato, which means frozen and the gelato vendor is known as a gelatai. Like ice cream, it contains sugar, milk, and flavourings such as nuts and fruits, but gelato usually has no egg yolks and less cream than ice cream.
Gelato Is Served with A Paddle at An Authentic Gelateria
While ice creams are served using scoops, gelatos are served using a paddle or a spade. It is believed that the flat surface of the spade or paddle can soften up the gelato better.
Early Gelato Was Closer to Sorbet Than Ice Cream
Although the origins of gelato are not known, it is believed that the ancient Egyptians and Chinese added salt and fruits to snow to make a cold dessert. Similarly, ancient Roman emperors also ate such delicacies. The lack of milk in these chilled treats unquestionably makes early gelato a closer cousin of sorbets rather than ice creams.
It Contains Less Fat Than Ice Cream
Most people love and prefer gelatos because, although they have less fat than regular ice creams, they are more flavourful to taste. This is because less air is churned into it, making gelatos smoother, softer, and denser. Additionally, butterfat, which tends to coat the palate, is present in lower quantity in gelatos, thus allowing you to taste the flavours quickly.
Warmer Temperature Makes the Flavours Stronger
Gelato shops store gelatos at a slightly higher temperature than ice creams, typically between 7 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit which ice creams are stored. The warmer temperature means your tongue is less numbed by the cold, allowing you to savour and appreciate the flavours of the soft, silky gelatos.
Must-Know Gelato Lingo
Whether you are ordering a gelato anywhere in Italy or at an authentic and traditional gelateria elsewhere, you must know a few of the gelato-related terms:
- When you desperately need a dose of caffeine, remember to order an affogato which is a scoop of delicious gelato doused in espresso.
- If you feel like having more of a rich, creamy dessert in sundae style, be sure to ask for gelato con panna which is gelato served with whipped cream.
- If you get a craving for caramel flavour, opt for a caramello salato gelato, which is nothing but salted caramel gelato ice cream.
- If you are an avid chocolate lover, try ordering a cioccolato, which means chocolate in Italian.
- If you don’t wish to experiment with new flavours and would like to play it safe, opt for vaniglia which means vanilla.
Gelato Wasn’t Always Popular
Although gelato was made commercial in 1686, it only really became popular in the 1920s and 1930s and has garnered love on a global level in the past decade. Since 2009, the industry has seen immense growth which seems to be increasing with every year.
The next time you sit down to enjoy this delicious chilled treat, think of its humble history and how gelato has come a long way!
Check Out Our Gelato Ice Cream Menu
At Crepe Delicious, we have gelatos available in a wide range of refreshing flavours such as vanilla, mint chocolate, hazelnut, salted caramel, Nutella, and much more. If you get a craving for these cool treats, find a location near you to check out our delicious gelato menu.
Also Read: Is Gelato Just Another Name For Ice Cream?