Gelato vs Ice Cream
Gelato vs ice cream…aren’t they the same thing? In translation, si (yes.) Gelato in Italian translates to “ice cream” in English, but that’s just the starting point. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two tasty treats. For me and many Adventures in Italy guests, you will learn firsthand how delicious and FUN it can be to sample gelato on the daily 😉 We often take field trips for afternoon gelato, and have even made it a few times during our cooking class.
From Southern Living, both gelato and ice cream include milk and sugar in their bases, but they differ in the amounts, in the process, and the additional ingredients. Let’s start with ice cream. It’s made with a custard base of eggs, egg yolks, milk, cream and sugar. Churned quickly, it allows for more air in the mixture leading to a colder, more fluffy treat. Lots of cream, lots of fat content.
making gelato with Chef Lorenzo
our homemade gelato
Gelato uses more milk and less cream than ice cream, and usually no egg or egg yolks. Less cream, less fat content. Because it is churned at a slower speed, the finished product is more dense, flavorful, and served at a warmer temperature than ice cream. Look for gelato stored in metal tins, and served with a flat metal utensil instead of a scoop. The warmer temperature is also why it melts faster, and why I always order mine in a cup instead of a cone!
What about all of those bright colors of gelato you see in Italy? According to Slice of Tuscany, gelato is made with seasonal, natural fresh ingredients. So the color should be natural as well. No neons, no super vibrant colors. If it looks unnatural, it is!
Just a quick aside about sorbet, also a favorite of mine on especially hot days! Sorbet is made without eggs, milk, or cream so it has the lowest fat content of the three. It uses sugar and fruit to create a full flavor, and a dense texture.
Which do you like best? Come find your favorite flavor and your favorite shop in Orvieto with Adventures in Italy! (Special shout-out to my mom, Abby, who is my most frequent gelato partner-in-crime!)
Find other food and cultural revelations in these older posts:
Experience Orvieto with Adventures in Italy
 Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide "travel that transforms", Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 15 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation. Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September, with two options: Artistic Enrichment nurtures creative expression, while Discover Orvieto invites visitors to focus on the history and culture of Orvieto and live as locals. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries. |
Good one Michelle. We have that conversation frequently about gelato and ice cream not being the same thing.
Great info explaining the diff between the two similar but not the same treats! LOVE the huge varieties in flavors…especially those made in Orvieto!!