Eating gelato like a true Italian in all weathers

Take a wander around any Italian town and you’ll be able to pick up a gelato no matter what the time of year. This tasty chilled treat isn’t exclusively for summer – it can brighten up the dullest of winter days and there are a range of opportunities for trying out different seasonal flavours if you don’t restrict yourself to summer consumption only. Plus, if you’re keen to eat gelato like a true Italian then you should definitely be enjoying it all year round.

Gelato – what’s all the fuss about?

Gelato is essentially the Italian equivalent of ice cream but a silkier, creamier version. It contains more milk than cream, which means that it tends to have a lower fat content than ice cream, and it’s also churned at lower speeds. This slower churn means that gelato has less air whipped into it and this is why it has a smoother texture. Ideally for winter, gelato is also served a little less cold than ice cream. This not only makes it more enjoyable but also means that it tends to have a velvety feel to it too.

Eating gelato in all weathers – some tips

• Enjoy all the seasonal flavours that won’t be around in the summer. From pumpkin or chestnut through to warming tones of ginger and cinnamon, at this time of year it’s a great idea to really investigate the tastes that are seasonally appropriate. You might also find that some gelato makers use this period to experiment with new flavours, from lavender and lemon to goat’s cheese and honey. So, the colder months of the year are ideal for broadening out your experience of what this delicious dessert really has to offer.
• Go organic, raw or vegan. It’s often at the start of a new year that many people test out a new eating regime or want to opt for healthier treats. The range of gelato options has expanded considerably in recent years to take into account consumer interest in veganism or raw food, for example. As a result you can now enjoy gelato without any of the guilt – try gelato made from nut milks if you’re keen to sample a vegan option or look out for organic certification if ingredient origin is your priority.
• Enjoy gelato and really indulge. Gelato can feel like a truly decadent treat and that is often welcome at this time of year. Darker days, earlier nights and a lack of sunshine can all contribute to some low feelings – often, a little of what you enjoy can really perk you up. Whether you have your favourite gelato as a regular Sunday night treat to ward of the Monday blues or enjoy sporadically and on celebration days, the indulgent experience of treating yourself can have a positive impact on body and mind.

If you really want to eat gelato like a true Italian don’t limit your experience of it to the summer months – it’s a treat that has a lot to offer all year round.

and there are a range of opportunities for trying out different seasonal flavours if you don’t restrict yourself to summer consumption only. Plus, if you’re keen to eat gelato like a true Italian then you should definitely be enjoying it all year round.

Gelato – what’s all the fuss about?

Gelato is essentially the Italian equivalent of ice cream but a silkier, creamier version. It contains more milk than cream, which means that it tends to have a lower fat content than ice cream, and it’s also churned at lower speeds. This slower churn means that gelato has less air whipped into it and this is why it has a smoother texture. Ideally for winter, gelato is also served a little less cold than ice cream. This not only makes it more enjoyable but also means that it tends to have a velvety feel to it too.

Eating gelato in all weathers – some tips

• Enjoy all the seasonal flavours that won’t be around in the summer. From pumpkin or chestnut through to warming tones of ginger and cinnamon, at this time of year it’s a great idea to really investigate the tastes that are seasonally appropriate. You might also find that some gelato makers use this period to experiment with new flavours, from lavender and lemon to goat’s cheese and honey. So, the colder months of the year are ideal for broadening out your experience of what this delicious dessert really has to offer.
• Go organic, raw or vegan. It’s often at the start of a new year that many people test out a new eating regime or want to opt for healthier treats. The range of gelato options has expanded considerably in recent years to take into account consumer interest in veganism or raw food, for example. As a result you can now enjoy gelato without any of the guilt – try gelato made from nut milks if you’re keen to sample a vegan option or look out for organic certification if ingredient origin is your priority.
• Enjoy gelato and really indulge. Gelato can feel like a truly decadent treat and that is often welcome at this time of year. Darker days, earlier nights and a lack of sunshine can all contribute to some low feelings – often, a little of what you enjoy can really perk you up. Whether you have your favourite gelato as a regular Sunday night treat to ward of the Monday blues or enjoy sporadically and on celebration days, the indulgent experience of treating yourself can have a positive impact on body and mind.

If you really want to eat gelato like a true Italian don’t limit your experience of it to the summer months – it’s a treat that has a lot to offer all year round.