The wonderful history of Italian gelato and its curiosities

What is Italian Gelato? A Guide to Italy's Favorite Frozen Dessert

Nothing is more indulgent than a good frozen dessert. While there are delicious ice creams all over the world, many agree that authentic Italian gelato is the true star. Known as one of the most popular desserts globally, gelato is an Italian treasure, very similar to ice cream, though it is technically its forerunner. To begin with, this beloved treat is a cornerstone of Italy's rich and extensive culinary culture. Furthermore, its magnificent craftsmanship has made it a universal favorite, enjoyed by people everywhere.

The Simple Ingredients in a Great Gelato Mix

At its heart, authentic Italian gelato is based on simple, high-quality ingredients, much like other premium dairy desserts. For instance, a traditional gelato mix typically includes:

• Fresh Milk & Cream
• A balanced blend of Sugars
• Natural flavorings like Fruit and Nuts

The magic, however, lies in how these simple components are balanced and prepared to create the final product.

The Rich History of Italian Gelato

One of the most curious facts about gelato is its ancient origin. In fact, early forms are related to the Greeks and Romans, who used mountain ice and snow to create chilled treats for large banquets. The story of modern gelato, however, truly begins in Florence during the Renaissance. Specifically, in 1565, an artist named Bernardo Buontalenti is said to have invented the first modern gelato mix for the court of Catherine de' Medici. After that, it took several more years for gelato to become a popular food, with the invention of the gelato cart in Varese between 1920 and 1930 cementing its place in Italian culture.

What Makes Gelato Different from Ice Cream?

While similar to ice cream, several key qualities make Italian gelato a unique product:

• Lower Fat Content: Unlike ice cream, gelato contains significantly less cream and therefore less fat, typically between 4-8%. This allows the primary flavors to shine through more intensely.
• Less Air (Lower Overrun): The artisanal freezing process is slower and incorporates less air into the mixture. Consequently, the final result is a denser, richer product that is packed with more flavor per spoonful.
• Served at a Warmer Temperature: Gelato is typically served warmer than ice cream. As a result, its texture is softer and smoother, and it doesn't numb the palate as much, allowing for a more intense flavor experience.
• Natural Ingredients: True artisanal gelato is prepared exclusively with natural ingredients. Therefore, you will not find any artificial aromas or flavors in an authentic product.

Bring Authentic Italian Gelato to Your Shop

Crafting the perfect Italian gelato from scratch requires a deep understanding of these principles. To simplify the process, AussieBlends offers a premium gelato mix that provides the perfect, balanced base for your creations. In conclusion, just add your own natural flavors to our mix to create an authentic product your customers will love.