When wandering through the sun-soaked streets of Italy, there’s one temptation that’s impossible to resist: gelato. But how does this Italian delight differ from its well-loved cousin, ice cream? For discerning travellers with a penchant for culinary adventures, understanding the nuances between these two frozen treats is key to appreciating Italy’s indulgent heritage
Texture and Temperature:
The most immediate difference is texture. Gelato is known for being denser and silkier than ice cream. This is due to its lower air content, or “overrun,” which gives it that luxuriously smooth feel. Ice cream, on the other hand, contains more air, resulting in a lighter texture. Temperature plays a role as well—gelato is served slightly warmer, around -12°C, while ice cream is served colder, typically at -20°C. This subtle temperature difference allows gelato’s flavours to be more pronounced and vibrant, making every scoop an indulgent experience.
Ingredients and Fat Content:
Both gelato and ice cream start with a similar base of milk, cream, and sugar, but the ratio of these ingredients sets them apart. Gelato uses more milk than cream, resulting in a lower fat content—usually around 4-8% compared to ice cream’s 10-15%. This lower fat content allows the flavours of gelato, whether it’s pistachio, hazelnut, or fresh fruit, to shine through without the richness of fat dulling the taste.
Churning Process:
The way these treats are made also plays a crucial role. Gelato is churned at a slower speed, which incorporates less air and creates that dense, rich texture. Ice cream is churned faster, which results in more air being whipped into the mixture, giving it that familiar fluffiness.
Flavour Focus:
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of gelato is its bold, pure flavours. Due to the lower fat content and the warmer serving temperature, the flavours in gelato are more intense and direct. Whether you’re savouring a creamy stracciatella or a vibrant limone, the natural ingredients take centre stage. Ice cream, with its higher fat content, delivers a more rounded and mellow flavour experience, often rich and indulgent.
The Verdict:
So, which should you choose? If you find yourself strolling through the cobbled streets of Cortona, we suggest diving into the world of gelato. At Palazzo Passerini, a luxury air-conditioned townhouse hidden in the heart of Cortona surrounded by Tuscany’s rolling hills, indulging in a local gelato on a warm evening feels like a rite of passage. Whether you’re a gelato aficionado or an ice cream lover, one thing is certain: both offer a delicious way to cool down while experiencing the very essence of Italy.
For more insights into the local flavours and cultural experiences surrounding Palazzo Passerini, visit www.palazzopasserini.com. Let us guide you through the finest pleasures of Tuscany—one scoop at a time.
In Cortona, Italy, you can enjoy delightful gelato experiences at places like Gelateria Snoopy, which is popular for its rich flavours and creamy texture, making it a local favourite. There’s also Gelateria Dolce Vita, known for its artisanal approach to ice cream making, and Gelato ti amo Cortona, which offers a variety of fresh, locally-sourced flavours. These spots provide a great way to indulge while exploring the charming town of Cortona.
If you’re heading to Florence our favourite gelateria is Vivoli – Vivoli Artisan Ice Cream Shop since 1929 the same family has been making true artisan ice cream with high quality ingredients and lots of passion passed down to the 4th generation. Try the rice or yoghurt gelato for something a little different! Vivoli Ice Cream Parlour was founded as Vivoli Dairy back in 1929. The family lived in Pelago, a town located between the plains and the mountains. Times were hard for all Italians, and one of the three brothers, Serafino, decided to try his luck by moving to Florence. He opened the Dairy on Isola delle Stinche Street at no. 3/r in the popular district of Santa Croce. The area was full of craft stores of all kinds, and the dairy soon became a pleasant gathering place to have coffee every day and buy whipped cream on Sundays.