Ice cream and gelato are both mouth-watering milk and cream frozen desserts that are enjoyed by people of every age.
The two may look similar and might even be similar to the taste buds of most people, but they are actually different from each other.
Ingredients, texture and flavour and process of making them are the 3 main categories when the two can be differentiated from each other.
Difference in the Ingredients of Ice Cream and Gelato
Even though the two ingredients used in preparing both ice cream and gelato are milk and cream, it is the difference in the ratio of the two ingredients that result in different desserts. More cream than milk is used to make ice cream, but gelato uses less milk and cream.
Another ingredient that ice cream uses in its preparation is egg yolks. Gelato uses lesser yolks compared to ice cream or none at all. The usage of yolks in the gelato recipe entirely depends on the flavour of gelato being prepared.
The difference in measurements of the ingredients affects the fat content in both the deserts. Both have different textures and when eaten mindfully, one can easily understand the difference between the two.
Difference in the Flavor and Texture of Ice Cream and Gelato
Ice cream has a wider range of flavours compared to gelato. You can get ice cream in flavours that range from traditional vanilla to the unusual cilantro or basil. But gelatos have a narrower range of flavours. What will be popular in gelato are classics like bacio or chocolate hazelnut cream, Stracciatella or vanilla with choco chips, Pesca or peach, tiramisu and pistachio.
Ice cream is colder than gelato and has more fat than gelato. They are stored at different temperatures; gelato at about -12°C and ice cream at -18°C. Because of these factors when you eat ice cream, it is difficult for you to get the taste at once because it makes your tongue numb. Gelato, on the other hand, less fat and is warmer than ice cream one gets to feel the texture and enjoy the taste.
Because of the way they are churned gelato gets a smooth consistency but ice cream comes out to be fine cystally in texture.
Difference in the Process of Making Ice Cream and Gelato
Besides the ingredients, the process of making the two desserts is also different. Both are churned to achieve the creamy texture, but the speeds used are different. Ice cream is churned at a higher speed than gelato, so more air is absorbed in it than gelato. Therefore the texture of gelato comes out to be denser than that of ice cream.
When the two desserts are ready, they are stored at different temperatures. Ice cream is served at -18°C to -21°C temperatures and gelato is served at -12°C to -16°C temperatures. The texture of gelato is thus smoother and silkier than ice cream.
Ice cream and gelato are both enjoyed equally by everyone. The difference between them is just about how they are made the taste of both the desserts is heavenly!