What IS Gelato, Anyway?

More and more people are specifically craving gelato these days. Not only does a scoop of gelato satisfy sweet cravings, but it also has a certain quality that makes it stand out among other desserts.

Some people think that gelato is simply the Italian term for ice cream but there are actually a few differences which is why more and more people are getting hooked to it.

Gelato or Ice Cream

An Italian gelato may look like regular ice cream but it has some distinct qualities, such as the intensity of its flavor.

The term gelato comes from the Latin word “congelato” meaning hardened or frozen. On the other hand, the consistency of the dessert is softer than regular ice cream as it has little or no air mixed into it. This is done by by mixing the gelato base slower which prevents air bubbles entering into the mixture. The freezing process is also a bit different since ice cream tubs are frozen at lower, colder temperatures while gelato is kept at a slightly higher temperature, keeping it softer than regular ice cream.

Many health-conscious people consider gelato as a healthy dessert compared to most regular ice creams. Instead of artificial flavoring, most gelato makers use fresh fruits and nuts to add flavor and use less fat than ice cream. Most ice creams contain more cream than milk but it is the opposite when it comes to gelato which only contain 5 – 7 percent fat and more milk.

Despite the health benefits and rich intense flavor, some people still prefer eating ice cream since gelato is more expensive than most regular frozen dessert found in stores.

For this, manufacturers today offer a better way to satisfy sweet cravings through a simple and convenient way. Gelato makers can now be seen in almost any appliance store so people can make gelato at home.

Making Gelato at Home

Making homemade gelato may sound complicated but it is actually pretty easy. There are recipes available online which usually has similar ingredients. There may be slight differences when it comes to the flavorings since some people prefer making fruit-flavored gelatos while some are creative enough to mix custard, chocolates, nuts, brownies and other stuff.

Depending on one’s taste, the amount of sweeteners and flavorings can be increased or reduced. After getting a good recipe and gathering all the ingredients, everything just needs to be mixed up and frozen until it becomes solid enough to eat.

Most homemade gelato makers are quite easy to use and clean so you don’t have to worry about making a mess in your kitchen. If you wish to make gelato very often, it would be best to get a durable gelato maker that you can use for a long time.

On the contrary, if you are planning to have just about any gelato maker that is low-priced, you can compare prices online to decide which one will fit your budget. Overall, what is important is that you are dealing with a legitimate distributor who can provide you a genuine gelato maker that comes with a warranty.

Like all things, it is important you do your research when buying a gelato maker, it would be best to know which brands are recommended and how much it will cost you. Reviews are widely available online and through manufacturer pamphlets. If you are unsure of the product you are about to buy, it would be best to read feedback posted by customers to set your expectations.

Most customers recommend certain brands especially when they have tried and tested them. Cuisinart, De’Longhi, Lello Musso and Donvier are some of the trusted brands in the ice cream maker/gelato maker market today.

These products can also be bought online; with Amazon usually having the  best deals on shipping and accessories.

 

 

Photo Credit: share the treat, ice cream or gelato

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