The History of Gelato dates back to the 16th century. There is some confusion in the origin as to where or who really invented gelato. As most stories go, it is credited to Bernardo Buontalenti, a native of Florence, who delighted the court of Catherina dei Medici with his creation. Italians are certainly credited with introducing gelato to the rest of Europe; with Sicilian born Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli who undoubtedly was one of the most influential individuals in the history of gelato, as one of the first to sell it to the public.
Summoned to Paris in 1686, he opened a café named after himself called “Café Procope”, which quickly became one of the most celebrated haunts of the literary establishment in France. In Italy meanwhile, the art of traditional gelato making was passed on from father to son, improved and perfected right up to the 20th century, when many gelato makers began to emigrate, taking their know-how to the rest of Europe..
February 8th, 2010
Sorbetto is an American term for an even healthier version of gelato because it is made with water instead of milk, making it fat-free and dairy-free with a fruit-based flavor. In Italy, whether it is made with water or milk, it is still referred to as gelato.
February 8th, 2010
There are two differences that distinguish Italian gelato from American ice cream. They are the fat content and the air. The first is that gelato is made from milk, not cream, as opposed to American ice cream which contains a mixture of 50% milk to 50% cream. The second is that American ice cream is filled with up to 60% air. Ever wonder why the ice cream in your freezer shrinks after it melts on the way home from the store and then refreezes in the freezer? Well, the air content in gelato is only 30%, giving it a richer and denser flavor. You eat less, but get more. Overall, these differences give Mangiano Gelato a creamy, smooth texture which is rich in flavor. Bottom line is that gelato tastes better and is a healthy alternative to American ice cream.
February 8th, 2010
