Gelato

AI Gourmet Analysis

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Overview

Gelato is a traditional frozen dessert originating from Italy, renowned worldwide for its creamy texture and its emphasis on the natural flavors of its ingredients. The name means “frozen” in Italian, and, in contrast to ice cream, gelato is characterized by a lower fat content and a reduced amount of incorporated air (overrun), resulting in a richer and smoother mouthfeel. This article focuses specifically on the gelato offered at "Gelatissimo," located in Greenbelt, Makati, Manila, Philippines.

Characteristics, Production, and Ingredients

The main features of gelato are its freshness and dedication to ingredient quality. Many shops avoid using preservatives or artificial colorings, instead preparing gelato daily in-house with primary ingredients such as fruits, nuts, cocoa, and dairy products. At Gelatissimo in Greenbelt, a wide variety of flavors are available on a rotating basis, including options that are vegan (dairy-free) and those advertised as additive-free. Fruit-based gelatos are noted for their generous use of fruit pulp and juice, allowing customers to enjoy the natural colors and refreshing aroma of the ingredients.Compared to ice cream, gelato typically has a lower milk fat content (4–8%) and generally uses less sugar. However, through fine churning and a low overrun (about 25–30%), gelato achieves a smooth and rich taste, allowing the original flavors of the ingredients to be enjoyed, even in small portions.

History and Global Expansion

Gelato traces its origins to ancient Rome, where originally honey, fruit juice, and snow were used to create cold desserts. In the Italian Renaissance of the 16th century, the addition of dairy products and sugar gave rise to the modern prototype of gelato. By the 20th century, gelato had expanded beyond Italy to regions such as Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with unique variations catering to local tastes and available ingredients.In recent years, product lines have been diversified to cater to various lifestyles, including vegan, organic, and gluten-free options. This approach has increased gelato’s appeal, particularly among those with health-conscious diets or allergy concerns.

Gelato Culture in Manila, Philippines

The Philippines, with its tropical climate, has a strong culture of cold desserts. Local specialties such as halo-halo and ice candy are widely enjoyed, but in recent years, Italian-style gelato shops have proliferated, especially in urban centers. In premier shopping areas like Greenbelt in Makati, gelato is not only enjoyed as a dessert, but also as part of a leisurely lifestyle inside cafés and eat-in spaces.

Features of Gelatissimo

Gelatissimo is a global brand founded in Australia, with several locations across the Philippines. The brand is characterized by its use of locally-inspired limited edition flavors, as well as traditional options from Japanese and Italian cuisine. Gelatissimo also focuses on additive-free and vegan gelatos, and its carefully crafted recipes, made with selected ingredients, have earned widespread popularity.

Conclusion

Gelato, as a hallmark of Italian culinary culture, has become a globally beloved frozen treat, flexible in adapting to local ingredients and preferences. At Gelatissimo, located in Greenbelt, Makati, Manila, high-quality gelato is made by combining traditional methods with contemporary dietary needs, earning high praise from both travelers and locals. As gelato continues to evolve—taking health and personal preferences into account—it remains a dessert expected to see even greater diversity and innovation in the future.