80 Desserts: Gelato
In Around the World in 80 Desserts, The Daily Meal unveiled some of the most scrumptious and sugary sensations from across the globe. For those hungry for more after-dinner delights, we're dishing out even more delicious details on some of our favorite desserts from our Around the World in 80 Desserts list. Here is a go-to guide on what and where to indulge your sweet tooth's most sinful cravings.
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What is gelato: Gelato is a popular Italian version of ice cream that was, according to many accounts, created when a Florentine named Bernardo Buontalenti presented his gelato innovation to the royal court of Caterina de' Medici.
What's in gelato: Gelato is made with milk, cream, and sugar and often has a lower fat content, denser texture, and more intense flavor than ice cream. Gelato comes in a multitude of flavors.
Where can you get gelato: The annual Firenze Gelato Festival in May is great time to sample gelato in its birthplace, Florence, but Italy has many delicious gelaterias to add to your itinerary no matter the season.
1. Giolitti (Rome)
Since 1900, Giolitti has been serving gelato and ice cream to Roman dessert lovers. In 2009, first lady Michelle Obama made and enjoyed gelato at Giolitti with her daughters, Malia and Sasha.
2. Vivoli (Florence)
Vivoli sells a host of fruity, nutty, and savory types of gelato in the heart of Florence. Try their pistachio, stracciatella, pear, or tiramisu flavors.
3. Gelateria Nico (Venice)
Gelato specials not to miss out on at Gelateria Nico include Il Giandiotto, a glass of hazelnut gelato loaded with whipped cream.
4. Riva Reno (Milan)
Riva Reno serves an array of traditional gelato flavors, sorbets, and gelato specialty creations. Riva Reno makes its gelato without hydrogenated fat, preservatives, or artificial colorings.
The gelateria first opened in Milan in 2005 and now has branches throughout Italy.
5. Grom (Siena)
Grom's signature gelato flavor is their creme di Grom, which is made with egg cream, Meliga biscotti, and dark chocolate from Colombia.
Grom has expanded with shops in Malibu, New York, Paris, Osaka, and Tokyo.
6. Gelateria della Scimmia (Naples)
Gelateria della Scimmia offers treats, such as traditional gelato, spumone ice cream, gelato cakes, and gelato sundaes.
Where have you had the best gelato in the world? Tell us in the comments section below. Repin your favorite gelato from around the world using #80Desserts on Pinterest and Twitter.
Clare Sheehan is a Junior Writer for The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @clare_sheehan.