When you have a hankering for something cold and sweet, do
you opt for gelato or ice cream? If your eyes just did a double take as you're
thinking, "Aren't they the same?" well, you're not alone. Gelato and
ice cream are creamy, frozen desserts made from ingredients including dairy and
sugar. Gelato and ice cream often get confused as the same sweet treat, but
there is, in fact, a distinguishing feature between gelato and ice cream. So
yes, they are rather different when you get down to the facts. But before we
delve into the secret that separates the two, let's explore the history of
both.
Origins of ice cream and gelato
Ice cream evolved to include dairy from cows and eventually
egg yolks, and it became a delicacy reserved for the elite. While it’s unknown
who invented ice cream, its earliest renditions trace back to ancient China. A
mix of buffalo milk, flour, and ice was said to be a favorite dessert of King
Tang of Shang.
The iced treat did not debut in the United States until the
year 1744, reports the International Dairy Foods Association, but it was a
treat only enjoyed by the elite up until the late 19th century. Today, the ice
cream business contributes nearly $40 billion to the U.S. economy.
However, ice cream did not become a popular dessert until
the 19th century when technological advances in the dairy industry and
refrigeration techniques allowed manufacturers to make and distribute it
cheaply and in large quantities. Later versions of the dessert included fruit,
juice, or honey served over fresh mountain snow.
Gelato was first made in Italy, though there is some
confusion over where it originated. Some believe it was first made in Sicily
while others believe it originated in Florence. To this day, it remains a
highly regarded dessert in Europe. In 2016, gelato producers in Italy produced
roughly 157 million gallons of the creamy sweet stuff, which is equivalent to
about 6.8 billion scoops, according to Bloomberg. However, there's evidence
that indicates China may be the true place where the creamy cold stuff we know
today was born.
Gelato and ice cream are made a bit differently, and their
nutritional profiles reflect this. They surely have a lot of similarities but
we are not here to talk about that. Gelato and ice cream share three main ingredients
which are dairy, sugar, and air. The difference lies in their proportions.
So, here are the key differences between the two, which are
important to know if you want to enjoy the best treat.
The difference between gelato and ice cream
Texture and temperature
Gelato is much silkier in texture and a bit denser than ice
cream. This denseness allows gelato to pack much more flavor than traditional
ice cream. Gelato also usually takes its flavors from natural sources. Ice
creams have typically higher air content that makes its texture soft and light.
Although, it has more butterfat than gelato, which means it may not be as
flavorful. This is because butterfat coats your tongue, so it takes a bit
longer for your taste buds to detect the ice cream flavor. Meanwhile, Italian
gelato includes only about 4 to 9 percent fat. Yet gelato also contains less
air than American ice cream that helps keep it dense, fluid and creamy. Italian
gelato is served about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than American ice cream, at about
7 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit, so your mouth is less numb and better able to taste
it.
Creaminess and flavor
Gelato is creamier, smoother and silkier, as well as denser
and more elastic and fluid, than American ice cream. Gelato contains more milk
than cream, making it freeze at a lower temperature and taste cooler, lighter
and, arguably, more refreshing. Churned slower than ice-cream, it is denser and
has a more intense flavor. The ingredients containing less air than ice-cream
means it also has a short shelf life and generally must be sold the same day
that it is made. As gelato must be produced in smaller batches, this makes it
ripe for experimentation with the highest quality ingredients. Ice cream is churned fast, which folds in lots
of air. Therefore, its volume increases by a large percentage as it’s being
made. In addition to containing more air than gelato, ice cream also packs more
cream, which translates to a high fat content. What’s more, ice cream typically
includes egg yolks, whereas gelato rarely will. Instead, gelato usually
contains more milk. Egg yolks can add fat and act as a stabilizer.
Ingredients
While both gelato and ice cream contain cream, milk and
sugar, authentic gelato uses more milk and less cream than ice cream and
generally doesn’t use egg yolks, which are a common ingredient in ice cream.
How they are served
Authentic Italian gelato isn’t scooped; it’s served with a
spade. It’s served using a flat spatula called a spade, the maneuvering of
which helps soften the dessert. Meanwhile, ice cream is typically scooped with
a deeply rounded spoon, with its higher fat content allowing it to be shaped
into firm, round balls.
How they are made
Dairy (milk, cream, or both) and sugar are combined, mixed
evenly, and pasteurized. Natural or artificial flavors are then folded in.
Next, air is incorporated by churning the mix before freezing it. The overrun
is a measure of how much air is added into the ice cream or gelato during
production. Gelato has low overrun, whereas ice cream has high overrun.
Stabilizers also keep the batter free of large ice crystals, which can be
unpleasant to eat.
Which should you choose – gelato or ice cream?
Eating too many calories and added sugars can increase your
risk of developing conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, cavities, and
diabetes. Whatever your preference, ice cream and gelato should both be eaten
in moderation, as they are packed with sugar and calories. If you prefer a
colder, firmer treat with a more buttery mouth feel, ice cream will satisfy your
needs. If you prefer a more concentrated burst of flavor and silkier frozen
treat that’s lower in fat, gelato is the way to go. Ice cream and gelato are
both popular frozen desserts; whereas ice cream is airier and has a higher fat
content, gelato is softer and packed with flavor. Both contain a lot of sugar,
but gelato is traditionally made with much less fat.
The last part you shouldn’t miss out…
The key differences between gelato and ice cream, although
very alike in appearance is the ratio of ingredients, the speed at which it's
churned, the texture, and the time in which it can be enjoyed after its made.
They're both still equally delicious and nobody can disagree to that. Either
can be part of a healthy diet when consumed occasionally and in moderation.
However, as with any food that’s high in sugar and rich in calories, it’s best
to limit your intake for optimal health.