What Is Gelato?

What is Gelato?

Gelato is a frozen dessert of Italian origin, similar to ice cream. In fact, “Gelato” simply means “ice cream” in Italian. However, this ice cream has a softer, more velvety texture than American ice cream.

Gelato typically contains 70% less air and more flavoring than other kinds of ice cream. This creates a denser and smoother texture.

Like ice cream, gelato is made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, fresh fruit, and nuts. The difference lies in the proportions. Gelato contains more milk and less cream compared to ice cream.

For individuals looking for a gluten-free dessert, gelato (without cookie or cake mix-ins) is a healthy, nutritional, and wholesome choice.

Repicci’s gelato is made using fresh, all-natural ingredients, free of artificial flavors and preservatives. And it has a more intense flavor and less fat than typical ice cream.

Gelato is served in a cone or small dish with a wooden paddle spoon. It can also be served in a cup as an affogato: a scoop of gelato flavored with espresso.

What is the Origin of Gelato?

Francesco Procopio, known as the man who invented gelato, was a Sicilian fisherman in the late 1600s. After inheriting machinery used to make sorbets from his grandfather, Procopio opened his first café in Paris and began serving gelato.

These modern Italian Ices have their roots in Italy with authentic recipes. However they are more common in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other east coast states.

Gelato And Ice Cream Are Not The Same

Gelato and Ice Cream are both delicious frozen desserts. Often, they are thought to be the different names for the same dessert. However, there are noted differences.

Gelato is churned at a lower speed and freezes more slowly than ice cream which gives it a more dense and creamier texture. Ice Cream is mixed quickly to incorporate more air bubbles giving it a light, fluffy texture.

Gelato is also served at a warmer temperature than ice cream to prevent it from turning too solid to scoop or eat. In addition, the warmer serving temperature allows for a more intense flavor experience.

Neither Gelato nor ice cream contains egg yolks.

In fact, if the mixture contains more than 1.4% egg yolks, it is considered a frozen custard. Frozen custard is just like ice cream though it tends to have a softer texture.

GELATO VS. SORBET & SHERBET

Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit and sugar. Unlike gelato however, sorbet contains no dairy. Sorbet is scoop-able and offers a refreshing, fruit flavor. It can be similar to a whole fruit Italian ice.

Water ice will have a crunchier texture than Repicci’s Real Italian ice.

GELATO VS. FROZEN YOGURT

Frozen yogurt is made with low-fat or full-fat yogurt instead of milk or cream. Unlike gelato, which has a rich, sweet flavor, frozen yogurt has a distinctive tartness. Frozen yogurt contains live bacteria cultures (probiotics) beneficial to your health. Both gelato and frozen yogurt have similar carb and sugar content.

Popular Gelato Flavor

Gelato comes in a number of traditional flavors including fruit, chocolate and nut flavors.

Repicci’s has worked over the last 40 years to perfect our own flavors and offer both traditional and unique options. When you purchase Repicci’s gelato in a 2 or 3 scoop cup, you have the option of choosing a combination of gelato flavors. Or you can get a triple scoop of your favorite flavor.

Our most popular flavors include:
Vanilla Bean
Dark Chocolate
Salted Caramel
Coconut
Cookies and Cream
Mint Chocolate Chip
Butter Pecan

Gelato is a Healthier Choice than Ice Cream

When you consider the fat content in ice cream, gelato is a healthier choice. Because gelato is made with less cream, gelato has less fat. Gelato has a fat content of around 4 to 9 percent, while ice cream fat content come in at 14 to 25%.

Gelato also contains less sugar and offers fewer calories than ice cream. A 3.5 oz serving of gelato has 90 calories compared to 125 calories in ice cream.

Fruit flavored gelato is made using real fruit or fruit juice which may increase the number of carbohydrates. However, you can still enjoy a delicious cup of gelato by ordering a smaller single scoop cup.

And with its intense flavor, a smaller serving will satisfy your sweet craving.

Can I make Gelato at home?

Gelato is easy to make at home but time-consuming. All the ingredients are mixed and then churned slowly until congealed.

If you want to attempt it, there are 3 steps to making gelato.

Make a base of milk, cream, and sugar over medium heat.
Once the ingredients are blended, add your favorite flavorings, fruit, or nuts.
Churn the gelato slowly as it cools, using either an ice cream maker or a hand mixer.

The slow churn is the key. The slower the churn, the less air is gets into the mixture. This gives gelato the creamy, dense texture we all love.

If you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, you can try this classic gelato recipe at home.

Let Repicci’s Come to You

Repicci’s offers on-site, frozen dessert catering. We specialize in private parties, company events, festivals, sporting events, and more.

We offer mobile text alerts to provide you with up-to-date offers, specials, new flavor alerts, and our mobile truck locations.

For one-of-a-kind gourmet frozen desserts that appeal to all ages, Contact us to request catering for your event. You’ll also find us at fairs, festivals, sporting events, and even weddings. Discover a location near you!

Or call us at 1-931-313-9078.

What is Repicci’s Real Gelato?