9 Delicious Gelato Facts That You Must Know This Summer

On any day, be it a hot summer day or a chilly autumn day, gelato is the perfect treat for you to eat. You can have it when you’re feeling sad after listening to sad songs. You can have it when you’re happy after petting a cute dog. Surely, a scoop or four of your favorite gelato will remind you of la dolce vita.

Quick gelato fact: Bernardo Buontalenti gets three gold stars for creating our beloved gelato. Grazie, signor Bernardo Buontalenti.

Buontalenti is a Florentine artist and architect who began working for the House of Medici as a young boy. When the Spanish dignitaries arrived, the great Cosimo de Medici ordered Buontalenti to organize a banquet. It was at this event that Buontalenti invented a new dessert made with ice, salt, lemon, sugar, honey, egg, milk, and a drop of wine. Thus, the beginning of the glorious chapter of the great and delicious gelato!

Shoutout to the powerful Medicis of Florence for always finding ways to impress their global visitors! Here’s a scoop of tasty fun facts about the oh-so-yummy-gelato.

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1. Gelato means frozen in Italian

In Italian, the word gelato comes from the term congelato which means frozen.

2. Authentic gelato is served with a paddle

The place where gelato is sold is called a gelateria. The server uses a paddle because it is believed that the flat surface softens the gelato better.

3. It contains less fat than ice cream

Gelato is more flavorful than regular ice cream because it contains less fat and less air, resulting in a smoother, softer texture.

4. The first gelateria was opened in Paris

Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli built the first gelateria in Paris in 1686 called Café Procope. The cafe is still open today!

5. Warmer temperature makes it more yummy

Gelato is kept at warmer temperatures than ice cream, making the consistency softer and more flavorful.

6. Firenze Gelato Festival

The Gelato Festival takes place in Florence during the summer, where contestants fight for the title of Gelato Champion.

7. Specialized Servings

Ask for an affogato! An affogato is a scoop of gelato drowned with a hot shot of espresso. Craving rich and creamy? Ask for a gelato con panna (served with whipped cream).

8. Common Gelato Flavors

• Stracciatella – Chocolate chip style
• Cioccolata – Chocolate
• Pistacchio – Pistachio
• Crema – Custard/Vanilla
• Fior di latte – Sweet cream
• Nocciola – Hazelnut
• Fragola – Strawberry

9. Another Scoop of Gelato Vocabulary

• Piccolo – small
• Medio – medium
• Grande – large
• Un cono – a cone
• Una coppetta – a small cup
• Che gusti vuole? – What flavors would you like?