Why Italian Gelato Is Different From Ice Cream
G elato and ice cream look similar when they are sitting in a display case, but they are not exactly the same. The biggest differences come from ingredients, the amount of air incorporated during production, serving temperature, and the way the product is made. These details give Italian gelato its characteristic dense and smooth texture. Gelato Usually Has Less Air One important difference is the amount of air incorporated during freezing. Ice cream is commonly churned in a way that incorporates a relatively large amount of air. Gelato is generally churned more slowly, resulting in a denser texture. That density is one reason a small serving of gelato can feel particularly rich and satisfying. Gelato Is Typically Served at a Warmer Temperature Gelato is generally served at a warmer temperature than traditional ice cream. This matters because extremely cold temperatures can make flavors harder to detect. A slightly warmer serving temperature allows the texture to remain softer and can ...
