Many people mistakenly believe that gelato is just the Italian word for ice cream. And while the difference between ice cream and gelato is culinarily small, there are a few specific rules you should know. Both ice cream and gelato are delicious, so when making them at home you should create whatever style you prefer most of all.
Ice cream and gelato are two popular frozen desserts enjoyed around the world. Though they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. From ingredients and texture to cultural origins and nutritional values, understanding the differences between ice cream and gelato can help you make informed decisions about your frozen dessert preferences.
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Ingredients
The ingredients used to make ice cream and gelato are one of the primary differences between the two. Ice cream typically contains milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes eggs. Traditional gelato, on the other hand, contains milk, sugar, and flavorings like fruit, nuts, or chocolate. Gelato typically contains less cream and eggs than ice cream, giving it a denser texture and more intense flavor.
You can see an example of this in this recipe for tonka bean ice cream. The milk to cream ratio is 1:1. If you wanted to make a gelato you would use a ratio closer to 2:1 in favor of milk. It is often humorous to me when I tell people that gelato has far less cream than ice cream – because the perception based on texture (coming up next) is that gelato is far, far creamier.
Texture
Texture is another key difference between ice cream and gelato. You should churn ice cream at a high speed, which incorporates air into the mixture and creates a light and fluffy texture. Gelato, on the other hand, is churned at a much slower speed, which creates in a denser and creamier texture. Because there is less air incorporated, gelato is also typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream. This allows for a smoother, silkier texture (mouthfeel).
Keep in mind both ice cream and gelato (and sorbet and sherbet for that matter) can make great use of stabilizers and emulsifiers. These can be used to make ice cream more airy and gelato more creamy, or vice versa! I’m a big fan of additives in ice cream, because once you learn how they are used, there isn’t really a difference between using fresh egg yolks or powdered sunflower lecithin as your emulsifier.
Serving Temperature
Serving temperature is another difference between ice cream and gelato. Ice cream is at its best at a colder temperature, which helps to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Gelato is served slightly warmer, which allows it to be softer and creamier. This difference in temperature also affects the way the two desserts are stored. Ice cream is typically stored at a lower temperature to maintain its texture, while gelato is stored at a slightly higher temperature to keep it soft and creamy.
Cultural Origins
The origins of ice cream and gelato also differ. Ice cream is believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago, where it was made by mixing milk with rice and freezing it in snow. It wasn’t until the 13th century that ice cream made its way to Europe, where it became a popular dessert among the wealthy. Gelato, on the other hand, is a more recent invention, with its origins dating back to the 16th century in Italy. It was created by Italian chefs who wanted to make a dessert that was lighter and more flavorful than ice cream. Gelato quickly became a staple dessert in Italy, and it wasn’t long before it spread throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Varieties
Both ice cream and gelato come in a wide variety of flavors, but the flavors available for each are often different. Ice cream tends to have more classic flavors, like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, while gelato is famous for its more unique and adventurous flavors, like pistachio, hazelnut, and tropical fruits. Since gelato traditionally has less air and fewer eggs than ice cream, the flavors are usually more intense and concentrated.
There is also Sicilian gelato, which uses corn starch as a thickener, and makes a great base for pretty much any flavor you want to make.
Nutritional Differences
When it comes to nutritional differences, there are a few things to keep in mind. Ice cream typically contains more fat and calories than gelato, thanks to the added cream and eggs. Gelato contains less fat and calories, but it also tends to have more sugar than ice cream. Because gelato has a denser texture, it requires more sugar to balance the strong flavors.
In conclusion, while ice cream and gelato share many similarities, the differences between the two are significant. From their ingredients and textures to their cultural origins and nutritional values, these frozen treats have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Whether you prefer the classic flavors of ice cream or the intense, adventurous flavors of gelato
