When asked to name a favorite frozen treat, two names often come to mind – ice cream and gelato.
These delicacies may seem like they’re cut from the same cloth, but they have several factors that make each of them subtly unique, and special in their own way.
So, what really is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
The TL;DR
The first distinction between gelato and ice cream lies in their ingredients and composition. Both of these factors affect how they taste.
Ice cream contains egg yolk, whereas gelato has little to no egg yolk and less cream.
Another key difference can be found in how these two desserts are made. Magic can be found in their unique churning processes.
It may not be obvious, but temperature plays a large role in how gelato and ice cream taste.
While they may seem like modern inventions, both gelato and ice cream have histories that stretch back in time. They have been enjoyed by many through the years, but their origins are quite different.
Read on for the detail.
The Difference Between Gelato & Ice Cream
Imagine a sunny afternoon, the perfect moment to indulge in a frozen treat. Which will you choose?
Gelato? Or ice cream? For many, they are seem as the same, and that ‘gelato’ is simply the Italian word for ice cream. This is not quite true.
While both are known for flavor-packed bliss, offering not only a way to beat the heat, but an abundance of options – they are quite different in a number of ways.
Let’s explore the differences between ice cream and gelato further.
What is Ice Cream?
Let’s start by talking about ingredients. Ice cream is mostly made of cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Those egg yolks are what give ice cream its rich and dense texture.
The churning process is another key factor that separates ice cream from gelato. During production, ice cream is churned at a higher rate than gelato. This introduces more air into the mixture and helps to increase the fluffiness of the final product.
Serving temperature plays a key role in how the two treats are enjoyed. Ice cream is typically served at colder temperatures, hovering around -10 to -20 ℃.
Ice cream can be thought of as the big brother of gelato. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, where various cultures put forward the idea of mixing ice with other ingredients.
The Chinese experimented with frozen mixtures composed of fruit juices and snow, while the Persians are also often credited with crafting early versions of ice cream. The introduction of syrups and other flavors has transformed ice cream into what it is today.
What is Gelato?
Gelato means ‘frozen’ and is the Italian word for ice cream, and its base mixture is very similar.
Like ice cream, gelato contains milk, sugar, and flavorings. However, it is made with little to no egg yolks and a lower proportion of cream. As a result, gelato is lower in fat compared to ice cream.
It has a smoother and more velvety texture that many enjoy.
Churned at a lower rate, gelato contains less air and thus has a silkier consistency. Due to this fact, it has been documented that gelato is capable of highlighting more intense flavors relative to ice cream.
Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature. In this state, the taste buds are not impacted as much and are able to detect stronger aromas. To some, gelato offers a more enjoyable tasting experience.
Unlike ice cream, gelato has a clearer origin story. Its origins are firmly rooted in Italy, a country that is renowned for its culinary creations. Gelato dates back to 16th-century Florence.
Today, gelato-making is recognized as an art form that emphasizes quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
Summary
In the end, whether you’re savoring a scoop of ice cream or gelato, you’re experiencing a creation that reflects the culmination of many eras of innovation. It’s not about which one is better.
Rather, it is about your personal preferences and which of the two tantalizes your taste buds more.
Remember that the key differences between gelato and ice cream include –
- Ingedients – Ice cream is made with egg yolk and cream, gelato has little to no egg yolk and less cream, making it healthier with less fat.
- Air – The churning process means ice cream has more air than gelato. This makes ice cream fluffier, and gelato more ‘silky’.
- Temperature – Ice cream is stored colder, while gelato is preserved warmer. This means gelato is softer, can have more delicate flavor – and can even be served with a spatula. However, it doesn’t keep for as long, or travel as well as colder ice cream.
It is truly remarkable how these delights have taken flight in the world of desserts.
Next time you’re faced with the dilemma of choosing between ice cream and gelato, remember you are indulging in a symphony of history and flavor.
So, there you have it, the differences between ice cream and gelato.