Gelato, which is Italian ice cream, is made from milk, sugar, and other flavorings. American ice cream is typically made from cream, rather than milk. Thus, American-style ice cream is about 10-18% butterfat, while Italian gelato is 4-8% butterfat. The gelato ingredients, which may or may not be pasteurized, are cooled as they are being mixed together. Due to the nature of the mixing, gelato typically has less than 35% air. In contract, American ice cream is often 55% air or higher. Therefore, gelato is much more dense and flavorful.
Gelato is traditionally made with fresh fruit, milk, and sugar. Other ingredients, such as chocolate, nuts, caramel, candies, cookies, and even flowers have been added. Gelato that is made with water instead of milk is called sorbetto. Gelato is preferred in northern Italy, while sorbetto is eaten in the hotter climates of southern Italy and Sicily.
