Gelato flavor education is no laughing matter. One cannot go through life ordering Nocciola (Hazelnut), Pistacchio (Pistaccio) and Limone (lemon) and think they’ve had Italian gelato. While those flavors are wonderful, they barely scratch the surface of the variety this incredible Italian dessert offers. It should be on everyone’s bucket list list to try every flavor at least once, out of respect to the effort, detail and craftsmanship that goes into each batch. It is highly doubtful that you’ll be disappointed. A quality gelato is made only from fresh ingredients, nothing artificial or processed so the flavors are real, vibrant and always incredible. True Italian gelato can be sorted into four categories.
Gelato Alla Crema
Gelato is made with whole milk not cream but these flavors of gelato have a base of what many would consider to be vanilla or “crema.”
- Crema – similar to French Vanilla and has a custard flavor.
- Zabaglione – Similar in flavors to the dessert, imagine an eggy, custard, marsala cream base. Very delicious.
- Caffe’ – If you love coffee you will love it in the form of gelato.
- Amarena – “Sour Cherry” – The cherries in this Fior Di Latte based gelato are not always sour, but more of a brandied cherry.
- Cocco – Coconut can be densely packed with freshly shaved coconut or toasted coconut.
- Vaniglia – Vanilla is not often found in Italy.
- Fior Di Latte – Most like a “Sweet Cream,” it is used as a base for many other flavors.
Gelato Al Cioccolato
Chocolate gelato has many variations in Italy and they are all worth trying!
- Cioccolato al Latte – This milk chocolate gelato is simple but so creamy.
- Cioccolato Fondente – Dark chocolate gelato is obvious by the darker color and will be loved by any chocolate lover.
- Bacio – Based on the favorite chocolate treat of the Bacio Perugina, this combination of chocolate and hazelnut gelato with fresh hazelnuts is a crowd favorite.
- Gianduia – Another chocolate hazelnut combination that was the original base of Nutella, this is a must try!
- Cioccolato all’Arancia – If you are a fan of the chocolate covered oranges that were given as treats at Christmas, you’ll love this gelato flavor!
- Cioccolato con Peperoncini – Imagine dark chocolate and hot pepper, similar to a Mexican hot chocolate.
Gelato Alla Frutta (Fruit)
Fruit flavored gelato is made without dairy. More of a sorbet, expect fruit flavors to be primarily the fruit itself making these flavors very intense and vibrant. Because each of these is made from the fruit itself, the color of the gelato should reflect that. Banana should be a pale cream color, not bright yellow and watermelon should be a light pink not bright red. This is an indication that they are true quality gelato.
- Fragola – Strawberry
- Lampone – Raspberry
- Pesca – Peach
- Albicocca – Apricot
- Pera – Pear
- Lime – Lime
- Limone – Lemon
- Mandarino – Mandarin Orange
- Arancia – Orange
- Tarocco – Blood Orange
- Mela – Apple
- Mela Verde – Green Apple
- Frutti Di Bosco – ‘Fruits of the Forest’ typically blueberry, raspberries and blackberries
- Mirtillo – Blueberry
- Melone – Cantaloupe
- Cocomero – Also called anguria – Watermelon
- Fico – Fig
- Visicola – Sour Cherry
- Ananas – Pineapple
- Mango – Mango
- Banana – Banana
Gelato a Base di Noci (Nuts)
- Pistacchio – Pistachio
- Mandorla – Almond
- Nocciola – Hazelnut
- Castagna – Chestnut
- Noce – Walnut
Miscellaneous Gelato Flavors
- Stracciatella – Italian version of Chocolate Chip.
- Malaga – Rum Raisin
- Torrone – Nougat
- Menta – Mint
- Cantucci – Almond cookie and sweet wine.
- Zuppa Inglese – Don’t be deterred by the name ‘English soup!’ Imagine, a cream base with cookies, custard and a healthy dose of sherry or medeira.
- Riso – This ‘Rice’ gelato is Rice pudding.
- Liquirizia – Black licorice
- Cannella – Cinnamon
