Archive for October, 2011

Literary Mileage
Seeking Vitamin G (Gelato) in Italy

Monday, October 24th, 2011

See cone display on left above the gelato choices (in Assisi)

Besides their superb wines, olive oils, pastas, and other elements of a Mediterranean diet, Italians have also brought the world gelato. Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream, with three critical differences—it has far less butterfat than ice cream (really!), is less solidly frozen, and does not have air in it (manufacturers add air to ice cream to increase the quantity).
There are almost as many gelaterias as churches in Italy. And there is serious competition between these establishments. My hiking friends and I were lucky enough to sample the “Gelato World Champion 2006-2007 and 2008-2009,” the Pluripremiata Gelateria in San Gimignano, one in a string of charming hilltop towns in Tuscany.
But there is also “Perche No?” (Why Not?), reported to be the best gelateria in Florence. What’s a girl to do except check them all out?! We are like bees drawn to sweet nectar.
Part of gelato’s fascination is the flavor combinations they come up with: orange cream with surprising little chocolate chunks in it, champagne/grapefruit, chocolate/rum (called Cuba di Rhum in Orvieto).
Besides its smooth texture and the delight to your taste buds, another compelling feature is the way the gelaterias display what they have.
Most have two rows of flavors, like you’d see in a standard ice cream shop in the states. 

Less extravagant display, but still delicious!

But in Siena and Florence, they arrange it in artful mounds with a citrus slice, a handful of raspberries or pistachios sprinkled over it.
While hiking in Italy, our Mediterranean diet consisted of wine or Prosecco, three to four courses (pasta always one) at dinner, then a short walk to find a gelateria and indulge. It’s a stretch to think this is the healthy diet spoken of so often.

It’s a good thing we were hiking every day. I would’ve had to request a seatbelt extender on the plane coming home…

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