Learn more about Italy’s favorite frozen treat: gelato!
July is National Ice Cream Month in the United States, and for good reason! Ice cream is the perfect treat for a hot, humid summer’s day. While Americans celebrate their favorite ice cream flavor every July, Italians enjoy their version of ice cream year-round! Learn more about Italy’s favorite frozen treat: gelato!
Gelato and Ice Cream are Different
While ice cream and gelato share many similarities, they are uniquely different treats. Classic ice cream is a frozen dairy dessert made of milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks. The finished product is light-textured and creamy. Gelato is made with a higher portion of milk and a lower quantity of cream than ice cream. The mixture is churned at an incredibly slow rate, which incorporates less air than ice cream. This method is what makes gelato so dense and silky!
The Flavors are Unique
When it comes to ice cream, you can’t go wrong with chocolate, vanilla, or rocky road. The most popular flavors of gelato would be considered very unique to a first-time gelato customer! Popular gelato flavors include pistachio, Nutella, hazelnut, and amarena (cherry)!
There is a Gelato World Cup
Every other year, teams from all around the globe compete at the Gelato World Cup (Coppa del Mondo della Gelateria). Teams from the U.S., Spain, Morocco, and more travel to Italy to make their best gelato dishes, desserts, and ice sculptures. The next Gelato World Cup is set for January 2020!
Gelato is Healthy!
The average serving of ice cream contains 10% to 17% of milk fat, while the average serving of gelato contains between 3% and 8% of fat. Obviously, you should enjoy all the treats in moderation, but gelato is a somewhat healthier option between the two! Enjoy gelato on a diet, and consider low-calorie flavors like vanilla or lemon.
VISIT BASTA PASTA
This summer, visit Basta Pasta for a fantastic Italian dinner. Don’t forget to check out Basta Pasta’s dessert menu after a delicious meal!
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food made from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! You can also order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!