Are ice cream and gelato the same thing?
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we crave fresher, lighter treats, and ice cream is usually at the top of that list. Sometimes we find that some ice cream shops offer "gelato" instead, and we wonder: Is the use of this Italian term a marketing strategy to sell more, or is there really a difference between it and its Spanish equivalent?
The term gelato literally means ice cream in Italian. However, these words refer to two very different preparations. Learn the differences between ice cream and gelato.
Same ingredients, different proportions
- Gelato is made with more milk and less cream than ice cream. Furthermore, it's churned using the traditional method, resulting in a lower proportion of air and therefore a smaller volume.
- Ice cream, on the other hand, incorporates a larger amount of cream, so its fat content is higher than in gelato and it is churned faster, allowing more air to enter and its volume to increase.
Texture and temperature: their biggest difference
Thanks to the amount of air incorporated into the ice cream, its texture is lighter, fluffier, and smoother than that of gelato.
In contrast, gelato is denser, creamier, and more compact.
As for temperature, Italian ice cream is served about 6-8°C warmer than gelato, around -12°C. This means it should be served with a scoop, rather than the typical round gelato spoon, since, combined with its lower fat content, it doesn't hold its shape. Because it melts faster, it's recommended to eat it in a tub rather than a cone.
Furthermore, when storing ice cream, it's usually placed in large tubs to keep it at a low temperature, while gelato should be stored in a way that prevents it from overflowing and piling up. That's why, if you're dealing with authentic gelato, you'll never see it overflowing from its container and forming the showy shapes characteristic of ice cream.
The intensity and origin of the flavor
It's not just the texture, temperature, and ingredients that differentiate these two seemingly identical desserts. The flavor is the ultimate key to distinguishing between these two ice creams.
Ice cream often contains additives, artificial colors, and flavorings, especially the more industrially produced varieties. Gelato, on the other hand, is made with natural ingredients, resulting in a more authentic and genuine flavor.
Now that you know all the differences between these two summer desserts, which one will you choose to cool down on the hottest days?
