Both desserts have similar constitutions and are equally delicious, but Gelato has a far richer history and texture than ice cream. Gelato is also healthier than regular store-bought cream because it contains more milk than cream. Gelato’s dense, fudgy consistency is unbeatable when it is flavored with fruits, coffee, and chocolate. Ice cream is lighter and fluffier than Gelato since it is churned longer and contains more cream in it than milk. This makes ice cream have fat and calories as compared to Gelato
When the debate of ice cream versus Gelato pops up, Gelato takes the lead and is much healthier since it uses milk as a substitute for extensive cream. Also, it incorporates egg yolks, unlike ice cream, to give a thickening texture. Today we will be talking about Gelato through its rich history and components. We will look into the journey of Gelato and even learn how it’s made.
What is Gelato?
Ever wondered why Gelato tastes so good? Well, that’s because of its consistency. You might have noticed that Gelato may look like ice cream, but it has a very dense and intense taste and texture. This is because it contains more milk than regular ice cream. It is creamy, light, smooth, and silky. It is far harder to scoop out because of its stretchy fudgy texture. It is a refreshing cold treat and is better than ice cream regarding taste and nutritional value. According to Rizzo, Gelato is richer in texture because it is churned at a lower speed than ice cream and thus contains less air in the mixture.
Gelato, meaning
Since Gelato has its roots in Italy, it has a rich historical background before it became the favorite dessert all around the globe. Gelato literally translates to frozen dessert in Italian. It also means ice cream in Italian. It is derived from the Latin word “Gelatus”, which translates to ‘frozen’.
All Hail Gelato – History
The making of Gelato was not an accident at all. Gelato was a formulated delicacy perfect for the rich aristocrats of Florence. Like the city it belongs to, Gelato was a part of the artistic renaissance period. The idea of frozen desserts, however, dates back even further when the beginning of frozen desserts was anticipated and 3000 BC, in Asian cultures, crushed ice was flavored and consumed rigorously. It sounds like 20th-century slush, doesn’t it? Later on, Egyptians would offer their guests a cup of ice sweetened with fruit juices.
This was mostly done as a welcoming gesture by the pharaohs. Next, the Italians joined the trend as the Romans catered to a ritual of eating ice from the volcanoes of Etna Vesuvius by covering it with honey. You must be glad you don’t live in this era because frozen desserts were considered a delicacy for only the elite, such as pharaohs and Royals!
An Italian invention!
The renaissance period had its roots in Florence, Italy, where there was a revival in art, music, literature, science, and even Food. Amongst the wealthiest families in the world was the Medici family of Florence. They were sponsoring a contest to formulate the most incredible frozen dessert of all time. This is where a man named Ruggeri, a chicken farmer and cook, participated in the competition. His frozen treat was made with sweet fruit juice and ice, similar to today’s sorbet. Gelato translates to frozen in Italian and is a frozen treat from Italy.
Gelato arrives in Paris
Taking the dessert a step higher was the right thing to do for Catherina De Medici, who took Ruggeri to France with her and made him beat the French chefs with their desserts. She even served this frozen delicacy at her own wedding to the future king of France.
The story doesn’t stop there. Ruggeri may have introduced a frozen desert, but that frozen desert was not Gelato. In the 16th century or the late 1500s, the Medici family again commissioned an artist and architect; Bernardo Buontalenti, to be in charge of a feast for the visiting King of Spain. This is where he served the lead of the show- a frozen creamy dessert called Gelato. And hence, the invention of Gelato was made. From there, this desert spread across all of Europe through the help of Procopio Dei Cortelli, who opened a cafe in Paris where he served Gelato.
Gelato in the USA
This dessert could not be left as a secret, no more, and hence traveled its way to the US in 1770. Geovanny Basiolo brought it to New York and two types of gelatos were being served. One was the icy version, and the other was the milk version. The ice version included mixing water with fruit, such as lemon and strawberries, while the milk version included mixing cinnamon, pistachio coffee, or chocolate with milk. When the hand crank freezer was invented in America, Frozen desserts changed their game. The freezer kept the liquid mixture in constant motion and allowed it to cool throughout, making it even creamier in texture than before. Soon industrial ice cream began to sprout as it contained more air and was less dense, making it fluffy and light. In the 1900s, this creamy delicacy was to re-emerge and take over the frozen dessert market with great success in desert innovation.
Creamy cold war
Believe it or not, Italy declared war on ice cream sellers, who would pump air into their wares to make the ice cream look fluffier. They considered this a disgrace to the name of Gelato. This is where strict quality rules started to be applied to Gelato. If the amount of air added to the mixture exceeded the limit, producers would be fined €10,000. A war over ice cream erupted, and Italians were taking ice cream personally! People started to assume that adding air to the mixture wasn’t exactly cheap. They said that it would increase the desirability of the ice cream by making it creamier. Six senators proposed a bill to regulate the work of real artisans to protect consumer rights. They said that air goes against the basic rules of producing the delicacy. Social senator Ricardo Nencini said that
“Italian Gelato is one of the gastronomic symbols of our country, along with pasta and pizza “. He also added that
“ice cream should contain no more than 30% air, which artisanal producers achieve by vigorous mixing… industrial ice cream can be up to 80% compressed air…”
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/national-post-latest-edition/20210419/281535113823040
Difference between Gelato and Ice Cream
Gelato and ice cream might seem quite similar, but reality is far from it. Both might be frozen desserts, but the consistency and component percentages are different. Read below for information.
- Flavor:
Gelato and ice cream are both creamy frozen treats that contain milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings of some sort. However, gelato has a more intense flavor than ice cream. This is because it contains less butterfat and more milk than cream, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Gelato’s denser texture also allows for more intense flavor by minimizing the amount of air that is incorporated. - Texture:
Gelato is richer and denser than American ice cream. Some people describe gelato as more elastic. Ice cream is milkier and creamier than gelato. This is because gelato is churned at a much slower speed than ice cream, which minimizes the amount of air that is incorporated into the mixture and creates a richer, creamier, and more flavorful texture.
- Ingredients:
Authentic gelato uses more milk and less cream than ice cream and generally doesn’t use egg yolks, which are a common ingredient in ice cream. This means that gelato has a lower fat content than ice cream, making it a healthier option. American ice cream comes in two styles. One style, known as Philly-style, contains milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. The other style, known as frozen custard, starts with a custard base that’s made with egg yolks. - Calories:
Gelato is a healthier option than traditional ice cream because it has a lower fat content. One gram of fat is equal to 9 calories, so the higher fat content in ice cream means more calories. Gelato’s lower fat content also makes it a better option for those watching their weight. - Temperature:
Another key difference between gelato and ice cream is the serving temperature. Gelato is served at a warmer temperature than ice cream, around 10 to 15 degrees warmer. This contributes to its soft and silky texture and allows it to melt more quickly on your tongue. - Nutrition:
Gelato is generally considered to be healthier than ice cream because it contains less butterfat and more milk. This means that it has fewer calories and fat than traditional ice cream. It’s also made with fewer ingredients, which can make it a more natural and pure option. - Serving Style:
Authentic Italian gelato is typically served with a spade, rather than scooped like ice cream. This is because its dense texture can make it difficult to scoop. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, around 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows the flavors to be more pronounced and the texture to be creamier.
What is Gelato Made of
Gelato is often confused with ice cream. The invention of Gelato is, however far before the ice cream that we eat today. You can find authentic Gelato and various places around you. It has fewer calories and less sugar and fat content than ice cream. Making Gelato requires little or no cream as compared to ice cream. This is because Gelato uses milk as a substitute for cream. A 3.5 Oz serving of vanilla gelato will contain 90 Cal and 3 g of fat, while the same amount for ice cream would contain 125 cal and 70 g of fat. The common ingredients used in authentic Gelato are higher concentrations of milk to cream, vanilla essence, eggs, and heavy cream. Although the dessert is similar to ice cream, Gelato is made from a custard base of milk, cream and sugar, and eggs. Real Gelato contains fresh fruit, nuts, purees, and even coffee.
Is Gelato Dairy Free
Usually, Gelato is not dairy free because it requires milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks. But if you want a vegan form of Gelato, you can replace whole milk with vegetable drinks such as soya milk, almond milk, or rice milk. Or you can consume sorbet, which is made from frozen, dried fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and strawberries. You can also use thickeners such as carob flour or Tara gum instead of heavy cream.
Is Gelato healthier than ice cream?
Believe it or not, Gelato is indeed healthier than the regular ice cream you find at the supermarket. This is because, unlike American-style ice cream, Gelato is made from natural ingredients and contains fewer calories, less butter, and less fat. Since Gelato can be combined with milk and nuts, it produces a high amount of protein which is good for the human diet and is primarily the best substitute for ice cream when you go to the gym and come back. It also contains a high number of vitamins since fruit sorbates have a higher amount of vitamins and so does milk. If you don’t like the taste of regular milk, it is a good idea to get your source of calcium from Gelato as it is much tastier and more flavorful.
http://www.gelatojunction.com/Gelato-History.html#:~:text=Gelato%20dates%20back%20to%20the,dei%20Medici%20with%20his%20creation
How to make Gelato
Making gelato at home may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. To make gelato, you’ll need milk, cream, sugar, and your desired flavorings. Start by heating the milk and cream together in a saucepan and then add sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, add your flavorings and pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions and It’s important to note that the ingredients and ratios used in homemade gelato recipes can vary, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different recipes and find one that you like. Also, when making gelato at home, it’s crucial to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Visit homemade gelato recipe page to get a recipe card and video tutorial for making your own delicious gelato at home!
O, Deli Gelato!
A deli is a store where people can go and buy ready-to-eat items such as cold cuts meats, cheeses, sandwiches, salads, and bread. Usually, there is an ice cream parlor in Deli’s where you can find Gelato. There, you can find rich and dense gelato flavors such as Berry, mango, nuts, and even various sorbets. You may have noticed that this frozen treat is far harder to scoop than regular ice cream, but it is delicious in its own aspect.
Conclusion
With this rich history and elite creator consumers, Gelato is still a favorite among many today. It is usually preferred over ice cream because of how dense and rich it is. The smooth and silky texture of Gelato makes it popular worldwide. Both ice cream and Gelato are delicious frozen delicacies that are enjoyed all around the world. However, ice cream is airy and has a higher fat content compared to Gelato, which is softer and packed with a more potent flavor. If you want a healthier version of ice cream, Gelato is the way to go!