Italian artisanal gelato is immensely appreciated all over the world and consequently also in the magnificent city of London. There is a vast choice when it comes to such a big city, so follow this guide and discover what the most loved ice cream parlours in London are!

Best gelaterias in London

Gelato artiganale has conquered the entire world, which is why it is no surprise that the most famous city in the United Kingdom has a lot to offer regarding the most famous foods, wines, and quality ice creams. Through London’s neighbourhoods, from the busy and touristy Portobello Road, Soho, and Covent Garden to the streets of the suburbs in Richmond and Chelsea, we have compiled a list of gelaterias in London you must try!

Ice cream in Central London

La Gelatiera 

This Covent Garden gelato parlour timidly opened its doors a few years ago in an attractive street near the famous St Martin’s Lane, surrounded by Mexican takeaways and contemporary art galleries. Today they have 3 locations and have fully maintained the original quality level of the ice creams handmade by Antonio, a genuine Calabrian who learned the art from his grandfather. Here you will find what is considered the best ice cream parlour in Covent Garden. Enjoy classic choices and different original and unique flavours, including: basil and chilli, dark chocolate sorbet, and their award-winning rosemary, honey, and orange peel. If you appreciate new, innovative, and unique desserts, try our new Sorbetto Sticks! Natural ice lollies that allow you to effortlessly consume a frozen dessert with no spoons, no cups, just the pleasure of an authentic Italian sorbetto.

Gelupo Gelato 

This famous Italian gelateria has been open since 2010 and is one of London’s best ice cream shops. Jacob Kennedy’s decided to launch ice cream in Soho, where the Italian goodness is made on site every day, with classic flavours using refined ingredients. Specials rotate every week during the hot summer seasons, especially with seasonal fruits and fresh flavours. Still, it is known for its experimental ice creams that replace an aperitivo, including the Pimms gelato and Lemonade sorbet. If you dread the crowds of busy central London during the weekends and want to enjoy a soft, beautiful, smooth lemon sorbet from the privacy of your cosy home, try our Limone Siciliano Sorbet with our Ecuadorian Chocolate Gelato. Mhmm…buonissimo!

Ice cream shops in South London

3Bis

3Bis is a gelateria in London that can be found in the versatile and fun Borough Market. It is yet another Italian ice cream parlour in London, however, with a somewhat unusual name: it was, in fact, the house number of their first laboratory, which opened in Rimini in 1987. The first of their ice cream parlours in London has been between a cheese shop and a coffee shop in the heart of Borough Market since 2012. Throughout the summer there is a huge queue, but in winter you can sit down to have an excellent Italian hot chocolate, as well as wonderful ice cream of course. Try, among others, pistachio and mascarpone cream with caramelized pine nuts. You are sure not to be disappointed. When you get a late-night craving for these particular flavours, go to our online store and easily purchase our authentic Pistacchio Siciliano Gelato and Mascarpone gelato dessert. 

Ice cream parlours in West London

Snowflake

Snowflake Luxury Gelato is one of the most famous gelaterias in South Kensington. Now a mini-chain, Snowflake South Kensington is an excellent quality ice cream parlour in London that, with elegance and modernity, offers classic flavours but also some more original and unique tastes. This premium Italian ice cream is handmade in the traditional way, using fresh milk from the island of Jersey (famous for its milk of excellent quality and substance), fresh fruit from the English countryside and nuts from Italy. They have 6 shops that testify to the success achieved with its Italian gelato: Snowflake also has an Italian ice cream maker, Paolo Rivieccio that ensures the quality and tradition are maintained. Alternatively, you can effortlessly enjoy luxury gelato at home with our Gelato Bundles, perfect for anyone that wants to sample the true Dolce Vita. 

Ice cream in East London

Chin Chin Labs 

Here is where you will find the best gelato in Shoreditch and where we also begin to move away from the traditional Italian way of making ice cream. Chin Chin Labs, in fact, offers gelato and sorbets made with liquid nitrogen. The result oscillates between a touch of chemistry and a little theatricality for a classy and original dessert. Currently, there are 3 gelaterias in London; some of their flavours include Tonka or coffee with olive oil, with a varied and almost unlikely choice of toppings (cinnamon toast, peanut sand, grilled white chocolate). If you find yourself visiting Shoreditch, Chin Chin Labs is a pleasant break. However, if you are still left with the need for authentic Italian gelato artisanale, check out our online store and browse our wide variety of natural and delicious gelato flavours, delizioso. 

An aperitivo is a moment of pure enjoyment in the name of relaxation. Whether you are going to or organising an aperitivo at home, the act goes beyond the consumption of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink; it is a moment of conviviality to be enjoyed among friends and family. Don’t hesitate any longer and learn all about the famous Italian aperitivo!

Origins: What is Aperitivo

An aperitivo drink is what we all look forward to towards the end of the afternoon, usually around 6 pm and 8 pm. It becomes almost a ritual on Fridays after work and especially on weekends. But have you ever wondered how this indispensable appointment was born? The meaning of aperitivo originates from the Latin word aperitivus, which means “that opens”. To further explain, in Ancient Greece, a doctor discovered that a drink was capable of “opening” the stomach by stimulating the sensation of hunger. Therefore, it can be assumed that at the time, what we now consider an enjoyable social moment was almost viewed as a cure for stomach-related problems.  

A few centuries later, the more modern history of the Italian aperitivo we know today was born. In Turin in 1786, the manager of a small liquor shop Antonio Benedetto Carpano gave life to what later became the most famous aperitivo drink: Vermouth. The King of Italy at the time, Vittorio Emanuele II, loved this wine so much that he made Vermouth a court drink. From that moment on, success was inevitable: Carpano’s marvellous drink had spread to all the cafes in the city, accompanied by snacks based on typical Piedmontese products such as cheeses and cured meats.

In short, from ancient medicine to a court’s adored wine, an assortment of new drinks, and numerous wines, aperitivo was transformed into an actual ritual that then spread throughout Italy. Easily comparable to the invention of happy hour in the US during the middle of the last century.

Why is Italian aperitivo so popular?

When it comes to aperitivos a recurring description is “ritual” because the Italian aperitivo is just that. It is no longer just a drink or a meal; it is a concept, a ritual, a moment. This is what makes Italian aperitivos so popular, in bars we connect with the people we know and meet new ones: it is a fun place to exchange ideas, have discussions, and build bonds. Arguably, the incredible food and drinks served during an aperitivo make it so popular. Still, having a place in common to unite friends, family and strangers can create a sense of belonging, which is far more powerful. 

Popular food and drinks

Everyone has their own personal taste when it comes to drinks, and in theory, you can drink anything your heart desires during an aperitivo. However, there are popular pre-meal drinks that are usually best during an Italian apertivo. Alongside your glass, you will often enjoy what is considered Italian pre-dinner snacks. These range from savoury snacks, including slices of pizza or focaccia, crackers, olives, cured meats, and cheeses to sweets such as pastries and gelato. Considering these popular foods, Italians usually drink a beverage that pairs well with some of these foods. For instance: 

• Wine: White, rosé and dry wines are popular drinks during an aperitivo, as well as Prosecco (the most common), which allow you to transition into dinner easily.
• Bitter drinks and seltzers: I’m sure we have all heard of the legendary Aperol Spritz. This incredible drink is the most popular at an Italian aperitivo and enhances all the savoury snack flavours on the platter. 
• Vermouth: The drink that started it all is strong and persistent on the palate. Dry Vermouth pairs perfectly with olives by stimulating bitter flavours and can also enhance sweet ones if preferred.
• Cocktails, beers, and soft drinks: These drinks are slightly less common than the previous ones, but they can also fulfil the ritual’s goal. The most bitter ones stand out regarding cocktails, whereas you can find all types of beers at an Italian aperitivo.

The beauty of the Italian aperitivo is in its simplicity. As you can see above, you don’t need to spend days organising, preparing elaborate dishes or even be an experienced bartender. A glass of wine, a few olives, cheese, bread, and the desire to be in good company is more than enough. Don’t hesitate any longer and enjoy the wonderful ritual of an Italian aperitivo, whether it’s at a lively bar or in the privacy of your own home.

Gelato-themed proposals

What could possibly be better than a frozen cocktail during hot summer evenings? Although most drinks include ice, your beverages will not be immune to the summer heat, and there is nothing worse than a hot drink at an aperitivo. As a result, Remeo offers you magnificent gelato-themed proposals, ideal for a refreshing treat with friends… buonissimo!

Gelato affogato is a simple and quick recipe and the perfect alternative for the summer seasons! Gelato affogato consists of a scoop of natural and fine gelato soaked in liquor or espresso coffee. Beware, it is essential to pair the correct gelato flavour with the proper alcohol! 

There is a wide variety of pairings when it comes to Gelato affogato, but the most popular ones include: 

1. Affogato al Whisky – If whiskey is one of your favourite liquors, you can enjoy a tasty frozen cocktail, including a creamy gelato scoop. For a delicate twist, the best pairing is our signature Madagascan Vanilla Gelato.
2. Affogato al Prosecco – What if a Bellini could become gelato? All you need to do is choose our flavourful Alphonso Mango Sorbet and cover it with Prosecco to create the best-tasting mango Bellini.
3. Affogato al Rum – When it comes to Rum, there is only one option, our rich and classic Ecuadorian Chocolate Gelato. The result is phenomenal! 

There are endless ways to make frozen cocktails for aperitivos, but for more unique and flavourful ideas to master the art of the aperitivo Italiano click here.

A widely known dessert, born as an evolution of the Sicilian sorbets and then perfected in Florence, gelato is undoubtedly the most famous Italian dessert in the world. Numerous stories about its history have been handed down over time, some even on the edge of fantasy and legend. Follow this guide and join us on this incredible journey to find the best gelato in Italy!

How to find the best gelato

It is neither tiramisu, panettone, Easter eggs, or even the Sicilian cannoli; the most famous Italian dessert in the world is, without a doubt, gelato. This Sicilian speciality is also one of the oldest desserts in history; in fact, the ancestors of this dish even appear in the Bible. History dictates that this delicious mixture of milk and snow was offered to Abraham by his son Isaac. Although this special dessert has a fascinating history, what people ask themselves the most on vacation, during the summer or towards the end of a dinner party with friends and family is: Will this gelato be good? Which immediately begs another question, what is the best gelato?

How to recognise high-quality gelato

Remeo gelato is good for you; it is an energetic and balanced food from a nutritional perspective. In fact, according to some, gelato can even replace a sandwich or a first course, but only if the gelato is of the highest quality. There are various ways to understand whether the gelato you are eating is of good quality. With this guide, you will learn the three main characteristics to look out for to ensure you are always eating the best Italian ice cream in the world.

1. The appearance of the gelato: When it comes to gelato, appearance is critical. This refers to the fact that if the colours are too bright, or vice versa, very opaque, there is excessive fat content, or it’s an old product. Instead, it would be best if you were looking for fresh, pleasant, and fragrant aromas, in spite of gelato’s cold nature.
2. The taste of the gelato: Suppose it’s the first time you will taste gelato from a particular parlour. In that case, it is advisable to start with a simple cream flavour, such as Madagascan, Vanilla Gelato or Fiordilatte. If you can taste the fresh milk, it undoubtedly means that the raw material used is high quality and well made. When it comes to fruit flavours such as Raspberry, the rule is: if we recognise what fruit it is and if the taste is good, it means that high-quality raw materials were used. With dried fruit flavours, the presence of grains or whole pieces is not necessarily proof of quality: again, the ingredients’ recognisability and taste will be important.
3. The ingredients in the gelato: If there is no list of ingredients, or if it is not clearly visible and easy to consult, beware. A very long list of ingredients, especially those that include food additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, and thickeners, must also raise some doubts in your head. This is why we ensure you get a complete description of the delicate, natural, and clean materials in each of our gelato flavours. Remeo gelato is evidently one of the highest quality gelatos due to the absence of artificial substances making it have a noticeable, more delicate structure.

Best Gelato Shops in Italy

Considering that Florence is the place where gelato was perfected, it seems logical that some of the best gelatos are in Florence. Not only are you sure to find some of the best ice creams in Italy, but it is also one of the Italian cities one must visit in their lifetime. So don’t hesitate any longer; book an incredible holiday in this magical city to try some of the best gelatos in Italy.

Rome, similarly to Florence, is a city that will leave you speechless and the home to hundreds of incredible gelato shops. As a result, no matter where you are it will not be a difficult task to find a gelateria offering original gelato artigianale. Imagine walking around the magnificent streets full of history and beauty with the best gelato in Rome; it sounds like a dream to me.

Likewise, Milan hosts many gelato shops of excellent quality. The options are vast and range from classics prepared with refined raw materials to gastronomic ice cream, which entails actual experiments in which salty ice cream becomes the protagonist of dishes. The best gelato in Milan is undoubtedly any type of
chocolate flavour; in fact, there is a gelateria that solely specialises in chocolate gelato.

In Venice, you are sure to find high-quality gelato made from fresh ingredients and stored in stainless steel containers that keep it in perfect condition. However, if you are truly looking for the best gelato in Venice, the secret is found in the less trafficked areas. Here you can breathe better air and will not be influenced by shops that are doing better compared to their competition. Explore this wonderful city surrounded by water and take your time to find the best gelato in Italy.

It is neither tiramisu, panettone, Easter eggs, or even the Sicilian cannoli; the most famous Italian dessert in the world is, without a doubt, gelato. This Sicilian speciality is also one of the oldest desserts in history; in fact, the ancestors of this dish even appear in the Bible. History dictates that this delicious mixture of milk and snow was offered to Abraham by his son Isaac. Although this special dessert has a fascinating history, what people ask themselves the most on vacation, during the summer or towards the end of a dinner party with friends and family is: Will this gelato be good? Which immediately begs another question, what is the best gelato?

Have you ever wondered why every single Italian you know goes on holiday from the 15^th to the 19^th of August? This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about this famous holiday. Embrace the Italian culture and dive into the traditions of Ferragosto!

The Grand History of Ferragosto

When was it invented?

Ferragosto derives from the term Feriae Augusti, which in Latin means Augustus rest. But why is it called that? This day was created by the emperor Augustus in eighteenth-century Rome BC. The holiday was born to celebrate the end of agricultural work. In August, thanks were given to Conso, God of the earth and fertility; the whole month was synonymous with respite from the fatigue of working in the fields and celebrations. For example, some ferragosto traditions include events such as horse racing and draft animal parades. In addition, the workers made August greetings, and in return, they received a tip from their masters. This festival was significant because it was the only occasion where enslaved people and their enslavers mingled.

However, Ferragosto in Italy is also considered a public holiday because it is a holy day. If this festival was born as a pagan rite, towards the seventh century it changed completely; the Church decided to make it coincide with the day of the Assumption of Mary. By doing so, both holidays fall on August 15^th.

Ferragosto Celebrations: Which one is best for you?

Cosa fare a Ferragosto? is one of the most popular questions Italians ask themselves every summer and coincidentally it is the most difficult one to answer. Every year where to go and what to do becomes the most complex dilemma of all time. However, what to do on the Ferragosto week from August 15^th to 19^th largely depends on your chosen destination. Italy has two popular options to celebrate this holiday with family and friends: a mountain trip or a seaside vacation. A mountain trip lends itself perfectly to an excursion or a picnic in the middle of nature with friends. You can relax in the sun-filled and soft mountain breeze with music and a few cold beverages. In contrast, a beach vacation implies swimming in the sea, perhaps a fish-based meal and a peaceful walk on the sand. In addition, fun water games are often organized, and excellent, fresh gelato is never lacking.

If you chose to embark on a cultural visit instead, spend time wandering here and there to discover the fascinating history of your desired Italian city. Every year the list of August 15^th events changes, and the offers and places to go are always vast. Once you have selected your destination, if you love music search online for the list of concerts and festivals in Italy on August 15^th. Imagine the amazing feeling you would get from listening to your favourite artist on a moonlit beach or in the majestic square of a charming Italian city.

What to expect if you are in Italy on Ferragosto

Considering many crops are harvested in late summer, one thing you can always expect from Ferragosto festivities is incredible Ferragosto food. The food served to celebrate Ferragosto is typically light and in sync with popular Italian Mediterranean diets, which include a variety of cold pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t let the Mediterranean diet fool you; Italians enjoy feasting on good food. Let’s explore the most traditional dishes associated with Ferragosto!

Generally speaking, ripe tomatoes stuffed with seasoned rice is a very popular dish; however, each region in Italy has its own particularities and specialities regarding Ferragosto food. For instance:

• The holiday dishes in Tuscany include roast squab and panzanella, “bread salad” made with onions, basil, a light vinaigrette, day-old bread and ripe tomatoes. The cherry on top of this incredible dish is the wonderful gelato pairing opportunities, for example; try our rich and indulgent Pistachio Siciliano Gelato, you are sure to not be disappointed!
• On the other hand, in Puglia, you will have a completely different culinary experience; you will enjoy Galluccio, a grass-fed cockerel stuffed and baked. Interestingly, this was once relished by families who could only afford to eat meat on important occasions and holidays. You can top off this family dish with our incredible bundle of Gelato Desserts, mhmm delizioso!
• Our dear friends from the south of Italy, Sicilians, tend to celebrate Ferragosto with Gelu di Muluna, which is a fresh and cold watermelon pudding that is perfect for the hot Italian summers (be warned that Italy in August is that bad) and is decorated with chocolate chips to mimic the seeds. This traditional dish pairs flawlessly with our exquisite Limone Siciliano Sorbet or Ecuadorian Chocolate Gelato for an even sweeter touch.

By the sea for Ferragosto? Watch out!

Another (surely less pleasant) consideration to factor in during your August Italian expedition is some fun and less fun Italian traditions.

Particularly for Ferragosto, if you’re a beach lover and find yourself in the Italian coasts of Sardegna, Sicily, or even the Tyrrhenian Sea, beware: the locals have some traditions that do not strictly only consist of great, refreshing food. Spoiler: the “refreshing” part still stays true.

If you find yourself by the coast, most Italian bagnanti (beach goers) of a young age gather on Ferragosto, forming a big crowd that marches beach-to-beach, terrorising beachgoers, residents and tourists alike. Their fearsome weapons: buckets full of water, and water guns, filled to the tip and ready to fire “secchiate” of water (translation is bucketfuls) on the unfortunate sunbathers.

It’s quite hard to escape this destiny if you’re near any beach on Ferragosto, but wise beachgoers leave their sunbeds and umbrellas when spotting this horde of teenage troublemakers, so it’s important that you move in time, if an undesired fresh shower is something you can’t see enjoying. This, and extremely crowded restaurants might really be the only dangers of a Ferragosto trip to Italy.

Have you watched Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful film Call Me by Your Name and you can’t stop thinking about those endless meals in the garden under the Italian summer sky? Or have you recently been to Italy and you fell in love with those perfectly set tables, the glorious Italian food, and the carefully paired wines? We have the ultimate guide that will help you recreate the atmosphere of an Italian dinner party at your house.

Hosting an Italian dinner party

When you decide to throw an Italian dinner party, the first thing you can think of is food. You will probably start your path to the perfect Italian dinner by navigating the internet and leafing through your old cooking books in search of some classic Italian dishes. What we recommend is to not rush in the preparation, but start with a good plan and, first of all, learn the basics. A typical Italian dinner consists of 5 different courses: aperitivo, antipasto, first course, main course, and dessert – and a special extra course that we’ll reveal to you at the end, in case you want to reach a flawless result. The first thing you should do is to understand the difference between the five courses and how to set a perfect table for your Italian dinner. Once the last dessert spoon is placed on the table, it’s time to put a menu together.

Italian starter ideas

Italians do really love starters, and that is a fact proved by the existence of two kinds of starters in an Italian meal, aperitivo e antipasto. While you probably know what aperitivo is – a pre-meal drink accompanied by some nibbles –, you may be stuck on the question ‘what does antipasto mean?’. Coming from the Latin ante-pastus (literally, ‘before the meal’), antipasto is the course that precedes the first course. It generally consists of a small portion of light food, and it’s the first course that you serve at the table, because you generally stand during the aperitivo. While taralli are the perfect aperitivo snack, you might want to think bigger for the antipasto. Cured meat is a very traditional choice that you could decide to arrange on a beautiful and rich platter. If you feel more creative, try to combine some Italian prosciutto with grilled figs and goat cheese, or why not wrap Parma ham around delicious grissini. And you don’t have to come up with a whole different option for your vegetarian guests: you just need to replace prosciutto with some warm bread crostini, and your work with starters will be done!

While we recommend not to skip this step, as starter is an absolute trademark of every authentic  Italian dinner party, don’t go too hard as guests might feel too full when they reach the main courses. 

Italian dinner party menu: food & wine

Now that your starters are sorted, it’s time to move forward with the rest of your Italian dinner party menu. Pasta should never be missing from your primo piatto – which means first course in Italian –, either in its most common shape or in the form of lasagna. If you have time, the best thing to do is to make fresh pasta from scratch, if you want to really impress your guests. A proper Italian ragu is always the best (and most traditional) sauce to go for, whether you make the pasta yourself or you buy it – in which case, paccheri are perfect, as their very large tubular shape allows them to keep all the sauce inside. Need a vegetarian option? Just make a garden vegetable ragu, and your veggie guests will be over the moon. Once again, the traditional main course consists of meat, but the Italian dinner ideas are countless even for people who don’t eat meat. The parmigiana di melanzane is one of the best Italian classic dishes that will always make both vegetarians and non-vegetarians very happy. In case of veggie guests, just remember to replace parmesan with a parmesan-style cheese, as parmesan is not a vegetarian cheese. 

And what about wine? Of course, we offer you a pairing with Italian wines only. You should start your dinner with sparkle and opt for some Prosecco or Franciacorta. A refreshing white should accompany your antipasto, and a Pinot Grigio is ideal for that. Your meat or vegetarian ragu will be best served with a rich, full-bodied red wine such as Barolo or Amarone della Valpolicella, which would be great also with your parmigiana di melanzane. 

Dessert ideas to complete your Italian dinner

How could we provide you with some Italian meal ideas without considering the dessert? So, here we are with some great dessert ideas. You can always opt for the most common and absolutely delicious tiramisu – and here we have provided you with the classic Italian tiramisu recipe. However, if after all this cooking (especially if you made pasta from scratch!) you want to go for something easier, we have the perfect gelato desserts for your needs, with creamy layers dominated by a crunchy top. Remeo Gelato Desserts Bundle, a bundle of three different gelato desserts – mascarpone gelato with raspberry sauce and biscuits; salted caramel gelato with caramel sauce and salted peanuts; tiramisu gelato with coffee and cocoa – will not fail its task to impress and satisfy all your guests. Do you think that three different desserts are too much after such a substantial meal? Well, nothing is too much food-wise for the Italians, but you can always opt for a timeless classic, like pistachio ice cream. In that case, Remeo Gelato n.4 pistacchio siciliano is definitely what you want. What you need now is a dessert wine that can be paired with gelato, such as a Moscato rosa, that should be always drunk before eating ice cream. Then, make your guests an espresso and end your classic Italian dinner with some limoncello. If you want your meal to have an unforgettable touch of class, there is only one last thing you should do.

The secret of the sorbet course 

You probably think of sorbet as one of the possible desserts that conclude a traditional Italian dinner, and you’re definitely not wrong. Sorbetto is one of the most common ways to end a meal in Italy. What you probably don’t know is that sorbet is also a way to separate different courses during a meal. Do you want to serve fish as a first course and meat for the main? Squeeze some sorbet in between them and your guests’ palate will be ready to taste them both at their best. If you’re looking for a way to put this golden tip into practice, try our Remeo Sorbetto n.3 limone siciliano, and your freshly cleansed palate will be ready to start with the aperitivo again!

Nutritious and tasty, pistachios are loved all over the world! A timeless classic with a bright and lively green colour that makes them incredibly popular in gelato, the perfect snack, and the ideal companion for dishes. There is so much to unpack regarding this fantastic fruit, so if you’re a fan of pistachios, get all your questions answered with our Pistachio guide!

Where do Pistachios grow?

The way the pistachio tree grows is very rustic and gives us fruits that have been known and appreciated since ancient times. However, where does Pistachio come from? The pistachio plant is native to the Middle East, it is widely believed to be indigenous to Iran and its cultivation spreads to the Mediterranean basin between Greece and Italy. Interestingly, in the Middle East, the crack of a pistachio shell opening is considered to be a good omen.

However, nowadays, the best pistachios in the world are grown in Italy. Specifically, the region Sicily is where the cultivation of this fruit is most widespread and is thus renowned for its Bronte pistachios. Pistachios can also be found in other southern and central regions. Still, as mentioned above, the pistachio is very rustic, which means it needs the right conditions to be successfully cultivated.

Bronte pistachio – taking the world by storm

The pistachio plant is a tree that can reach an average of 5 meters in height and in certain cases can even exceed 10 meters if it is found in optimal growth conditions. Pistachios successfully grow in climates that are not too harsh or volatile, which is why the areas of central and southern Italy are ideal. Said production has been present in Sicily for some time; in fact, more than 3000 tons of pistachios are produced per year, and as a result, it has become the traditional product of this land.

How do pistachios grow? 

Pistachio loves sun-filled locations and requires at least 30 degrees of temperature to grow luxuriantly and bear fruit. During the year, it must not be exposed to temperatures below 7 degrees, except in winter, when it is in vegetative rest. Therefore, it grows best in countries where winters are mild and temperatures do not drop drastically. Being a plant that loves the sun, it resists drought very well and does not tolerate abundant water irrigation as it can make the plant sick by attracting fungal diseases. In fact, irrigation is only required in spring and summer for young plants up to 8 years old, adult plants tend to only need water once or twice in particularly dry summers. The pistachio plant produces its first fruits after 4 or 5 years from being planted and ends its production after about 35 years. A single tree can produce from 10 to 25 kg of whole pistachio nuts, including the shell.

The fruit harvest takes place from August to October and is carried out gradually in several collections. The fruits are at the right degree of ripeness when the husk (the outermost part in which the pistachio is enclosed) becomes a rich dark purple colour. From this moment on, a slight vibration in the tree allows the fruits to fall to the ground for harvest. Bear in mind that even though pistachio is a rustic plant that does not require particular care if the minimum cultivation requirements are not respected, this tree could still grow luxuriantly but not bear any fruit!

How come pistachios are so popular? 

One reason that could explain why the Italian staple pistachios are so incredibly popular is that their sweet, delicate, and oily taste is excellent and perfect as a flavouring for sauces, sweets, pastries, and gelato. Arguably, many fruits and nuts have the same purpose, so why are pistachios so special? Pistachio’s nutritional values are excellent: they are bursting with minerals, unsaturated fat and fibre that can help you keep your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control. Additionally, they are ideal for diets as their protein and fibre can give you the best nutrition to make you feel full for longer. In a similar way to pistachio, by solely using natural ingredients, Remeo creates the best-tasting authentic Gelato that is lower in fat and calories than ice cream. 

Let’s not forget about their fantastic presence at a dinner table. Our pistachio gelato will be a definite hit if you have wondered what to bring to dinner at a friend’s house or a family lunch. Our pistachio cream is nothing but sensational: made exclusively with the best high-quality Sicilian Pistachios, our gelato is entirely natural with no flavouring or colouring. Alternatively, explore our selection of ice creams, Remeo Gelato Desserts Bundles and sorbettos, ideal for every occasion. If you like creaminess, pair our rich pistachio ice cream with our staple Madagascan vanilla and Stracciatella ice cream for added chunkiness. Mmmmm, buonissimo!

The authentic tiramisu recipe comprises rich layers of bold espresso, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone cheese, finishing with ladyfinger biscuits, making it one of Italy’s most popular desserts. The common question of ‘is tiramisu Italian?’ is followed by an answer of yes! What makes the dessert Italian is the presence of Savoiardi lady fingers, completing any tiramisu with a light, crisp texture. England uncovered tiramisu when English intellectuals and artists started consuming – and adoring it – in Florence. Upon returning home, they spread the news about the tasty dessert to their nation. 

Is Tiramisu Italian?

Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, Tiramisu’s origin is controversial, and fiercely debated amongst the Italian – so typical! Translating to “pick me up”, or synonyms like “lift me up” or “pull me up”, the layered dessert is part of an ongoing regional battle.

Let us begin in late 19^th century Tuscany, where Tiramisu was supposedly first invented in Siena, for Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici being labelled “zuppa del duca” – literally “The Duke’s soup”.

Following on, we move to Piedmont (Turin), where according to reports, Camillo Benso also invented the delicacy. Likewise, writer Pellegrino Artusi describes a similar recipe in his book – Kitchen science and the art of eating well – published in 1891. However, he did replace mascarpone with butter! 

In more recent times, it is said that Roberto Linguanotto, located in Veneto, Italy, invented the Italian tiramisu recipe in the early 1970s at the restaurant Le Beccherie in Treviso. This restaurant was run by the Campeol family from 1939 – 2014, when rumours swirled that the owner Ada Campeol had initially come up with the dessert. With all this information in mind, one thing we can approve as factual is that tiramisu is indeed Italian! 

Authentic Tiramisu Recipe

Despite the conflicting stories about who should get credit for having created tiramisu , one thing stayed the same: the classic tiramisu recipe! With a prepping time of 30 minutes, a cooling time of 3 hours and eight ingredients later, prepare your taste buds for the most elegant dessert that will arguably land on them. Are you and your cooking utensils ready? Let’s start.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooling time: 3 hours
Serves: serves 6-8
Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 350g mascarpone cheese
• 120g granulated sugar
• 60g pasteurised egg yolk
• 90g pasteurised egg white
• 200 g Savoiardi ladyfingers
• 30g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 400g coffee

Method

1. Prepare the coffee (we suggest using the authentic Italian moka pot). Once it’s done, you can choose whether to sweeten the coffee or not, but we recommend leaving it as bitter as it comes. Then let the coffee cool down in a bowl.
2. Beat the egg yolk and half the sugar (60g) in a bowl until the mixture becomes clear, thick, and fluffy – this will take at least 10 minutes.
3. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone to make it creamy, then add the yolk mixture. Keep on beating the new mixture until it gets thick.
4. Whisk the egg white until it looks pale. Then add the remaining sugar (60g) in three separate stages and keep on whisking until the mixture gets creamy and smooth.
5. Mix the two creams very gently with a wooden spoon, from bottom to top, until the mixture feels very smooth. Put the cream obtained in a piping bag with a round nozzle (13mm tip diameter) and store it in the fridge.
6. Start displaying the first layer of ladyfingers In a ceramic baking pan (around 22x16cm). Soak them in the coffee – that should be lukewarm to prevent the biscuits from getting too soft –, let them drain well and place them on the bottom of the pan.
7. Cover the ladyfingers with cream by squeezing the piping bag. Make a layer of at least 3cm and sprinkle it with plenty of cocoa powder that you will sift from a small colander. Repeat the procedure to make another layer – pro tip: place the ladyfingers in the opposite direction of the first layer. By combining a horizontal and a vertical layer you will be sure that the tiramisu will cut perfectly.
8. Finish the tiramisu with a sprinkling of cocoa powder, cover it with cling film or kitchen foil, and leave it in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
9. When it’s time to serve it, you just have to cut it into cubes with the help of a spatula, remove it from the pan and place it on a dessert plate. Now it’s time to enjoy your tiramisu in all its universally recognised goodness!

Alternative versions

In the face of tradition stand alternative tiramisu recipes featuring adaptations of the classic ingredients. Eater states that there are at least 200 variations, with pastry chefs adding zabaglione, almonds, whipped cream or any of a variety of spirits. More so, we at Remeo Gelato have curated alternatives, including a Tiramisu Gelato Dessert with Coffee and Cocoa. Like the idea? Check out our full range of delicious gelato layers!

Botolino reveals that Ancient Palestine reapers and Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs compressed snow in slush form, creating the first form of gelato. The first recipe for gelato was successfully conducted in Rome but the fall of the Roman empire meant the frozen delicacy disappeared. The Arabic form of gelato was more refined & lighter – titled “sherbert” and was introduced back into Southern European regions. The Crusaders brought the Arabic sherbert back to Northern Europe too. 

During the Renaissance, three Italian men – Ruggieri, Buontalenti & Coltelli – were known as the first gelatieri (gelato makers). Ruggieri concocted a sorbetto deemed the most delicious dessert ever, Buontalenti first introduced milk & eggs into the mixture and Coltelli used sugar instead of honey and mixed salt with the ice to make it cooler.

When was ice cream invented?

After Italian-native Giovanni Bosio relocated to New York City in 1770, he paved the way for New Yorkers and Americans alike to create their own alternative to manufacturing Italian gelato. It was a historical event in the history of ice cream. After setting up shop and opening his profitable gelateria in the city, customers adhered to the new dessert and fell in love with Italian-born delicacy. Eventually, Americans, in general, began making changes to the original recipe and started producing what was soon to be known as ice cream – to the dismay of present Italian gelato purists. As you know from our piece about the difference between gelato and ice cream, Italians tend to be quite protective with their foods!

During the same period, Nancy Johnson made history with the invention of a hand-cranked ice cream maker and a certain Fuller did the same in Europe. This soon led to the result of gelato being overshadowed by ice cream. 

Without a cone, it would seem the frozen treat was missing something, but thanks to Italo Marconi, the first cone mould was to be invented – essentially making the consumption of ice cream easier. 

Okay, but where does ice cream actually come from?

Not to hinder its Italian heritage, ice cream history first originated in China when frozen milk & rice pudding was assorted and explored by Marco Polo who was on his travels at the time, relaying the Chinese method to his country upon his return to Italy. We can say, though, that the Italians deserved the credit for the global expansion of gelato, as you would expect. 

However, the question of which country invented ice cream? and was ice cream invented in Italy? Could now endeavour more malice than agreement, but with factual evidence now defrosted, it is said that the ice cream origin first stemmed from China, then to Italy and as one would expect, then to the rest of the world!

The modern history of gelato

Who invented gelato? You may ask: well, the victorious progression of gelato can be traced back to the three men who are called the first gelatieri – gelato makers. Cosimo Ruggieri, Bernardo Buontalenti and Francesco Coltelli all contributed to historical advancements in gelato as we know today. 

Ruggieri was once a chicken seller who impressed the court of Caterina de Medici with his sorbetto, whilst in competition to “prepare a singular dish never seen before”. Ruggieri later accompanied Caterina to France, where he taught his recipe to French cooks. 

Later, Buontalenti, who was a famous painter, architect & engineer, has been credited as the inventor of gelato due to his introduction of milk and eggs to the gelato mixture. 

Lastly, enter Coltelli, a Sicilian fisherman who inherited a contraption used to produce sorbetto who contributed the use of sugar in substitute to honey, and mixed salt with ice to make the gelato colder. He soon relocated to Paris, opening Cafe Procope. 

More modern advancements in the history of gelato involve the invention of a refrigerated batch freezer which granted manufacturers the opportunity to consistently and rapidly produce gelato. 

After the slow release of original-recipe gelato, throughout the 1920s to 1930s, street vendors granted accessibility for the general public to consume gelato. 

Following on, from the 1960s to the 1990s, the production of pastes & powders – also known as additives in present-day terminology – flavored gelato to make the process easier. Despite the convenience, this alternative lowered the quality of the gelato and made offerings more standardized. However, the Slow Food Movement resulted in the return to value ingredients & artisanal methods and elaborate on delicious flavors, including the classic stracciatella. Invented by Enrico Panattoni in 1962: the gelato entrepreneur made gelato run through shards of dark chocolate, creating its unique texture instead of cracking eggs into the mixture. 

Now gelato has transcended beyond Italian borders, we can appreciate the traditional craft of the frozen delicacy. 

Gelato today – trends and innovations

Modern advances in the food & beverage industry present exciting opportunities to the sector, not just in the consumption of products but also what goes into the service before a product is consumed. Here at Remeo Gelato we pride ourselves on our sustainable 100% plant-based packaging that is easily recyclable, accompanied by a mouth-watering range of gelato & sorbetto varieties, so everyone can enjoy the final course! Is gelato vegan? Is the question we get asked a lot at Remeo and with a taste like no other, we had to make a vegan-friendly range! To sum up the sheer evolution of gelato, it is expected that by 2024 the market will grow to nearly $75 billion, with a 30% increase since 2017!

The mass development of gelato across the world isn’t much of a surprise when flavours that melt in your mouth exist in almost every corner of the world, with the classic chocolate at number in the United States, almond holds the top spot in Australia and of course one of our best sellers here at Remeo Gelato – Mascarpone gelato with two delicious layers of raspberry and biscuits!

What’s the difference between gelato and Ice Cream?

It’s one of these summer days. The sun is shining, the cicadas singing. You’re thinking a frozen dessert could make this day perfect, so why not go for gelato? Or for some ice cream? What’s the difference anyway? Is there really a difference , or is gelato just a fancy way of calling regular ice cream? Although their similarity is undeniable, gelato and ice cream are indeed not the same: the taste and texture might give you a hint, but the process and ingredients are where the real difference lies.

Gelato vs Ice Cream: the commonalities

Let’s not fool ourselves: from a distance, no one, even the biggest gelato lovers, can tell the difference between the two awesome creamy frozen desserts. Both have in common their core ingredients, dairy (milk and cream) and sugar, paired with fresh fruit and nut puree/paste, sapiently combined to produce refreshing awesomeness one scoop at a time.

The different combinations of these, however, give birth to either ice cream or gelato. A more creamy combination produces ice cream` – generally fatter as a result – whereas gelato traditionally contains less cream and fat, amounting to typically 5-7%, compared to the usual 10%+ of ice cream. As a matter of fact, the overseas FDA defines ice cream as a dairy product with at least 10% of its calories coming from fat.

Ice cream – more cream, less milk

As mentioned above, the measurements of milk and cream in ice cream are different between gelato and ice cream. The prevalence of cream in ice cream production means a higher fat content, but that’s not the only difference: ice cream also uses egg yolks (adding more fat content) as a stabiliser, whereas gelato does not contain eggs.

Another differentiation between the two comes after pasteurisation when air is added during the churning process: ice cream has considerably more air, also known as overrun, as its volume increases by a large margin during churning.

Gelato: light and natural

The word gelato, meaning ice cream in Italian, has created uncertainty around the two concepts, often compared but not quite the same. In terms of ingredients, gelato’s recipes typically contain a higher proportion of whole milk to cream. The lower cream content results in a lighter mix, having proportionally less fat than its creamier counterpart. Gelato is also churned at a slower speed than ice cream, producing the famous, dense consistency that makes gelato unique and loved all over the world.

To compare, gelato contains typically between 25-30% air, whereas ice cream’s air content can go up to 50 percent. In other words, scoop for scoop, you get more gelato than you would ice cream, as the gelato mixture is denser and rich in flavour. The lesser air and weaker structure mean that gelato melts quicker and has a unique mouthfeel, impossible for ice cream to match. Tasting a scoop of N.4 Pistachio ice cream, for example, sends your taste buds to Bronte, Italy, where the finest pistachios are sourced, turned into paste, and ultimately to our jar and your table.

Is gelato healthier than ice cream?

In short, both gelato and ice cream are frozen desserts, usually eaten as treat or dessert than an everyday meal. However, a healthy diet can incorporate both ice cream and gelato if eaten in moderation: at the end of the day, who in their mind would want to miss out on so much awesomeness?

Still, the question needs an answer, and the head to head has a clear winner. The main difference between ice cream and gelato is their fat content. With only 4-9% fat to the usual 10-25% of ice cream, gelato usually is lighter and healthier. 

Per portion, however, the answer is clear, gelato is typically healthier than ice cream.

Taking our N.1 Vaniglia del Madagascar vanilla gelato, for example, we can see that, per 100 ml, it contains:

• 117 kcal
• 5.2 g of fat (3.6 saturates)
• 15 g carbohydrates (sugars)
• 2.6 g proteins, and minimal salt

Popular vanilla ice cream jars have very different nutritional values per 100 ml :

• 195 kcal
• 11.9 g of fat
• 19.5 carbohydrates
• 3.4 g protein

A 100 ml portion of traditional, average retail vanilla ice cream lands you 50% more calories than eating our gelato, making gelato the obvious healthy choice.

The bottom line

We have researched the differences between gelato and ice cream in their ingredients and production. We also learned that, for the same portion, gelato is healthier than ice cream. We love both, but, of course, we are biased towards our fresh and light Italian gelato.

What a tasty debate! Didn’t it make you want to get a scoop of gelato? What are you waiting for? Visit our shop and order some goodness!

Nothing says carefree summer quite like a frozen cocktail. Perfect as a refreshing treat with friends or as a dessert after dinner – “digestivo” as we say in Italian – our cocktails are some of the oldest and most beloved in the world, and with one sip will transport you to warm Italian breezes and lazy riviera afternoons. We’ve recreated three of our favourites (and given them a Remeo twist!) to bring an authentic taste of Italia into your home.

Sgroppino 

Created in the 15th century for Italian aristocrats, the Sgroppino was originally designed as a between course palette cleanser due to its refreshing, crisp taste and simplistic ingredients. These days, a Sgroppino is more often enjoyed as an after-dinner cocktail, but still retains its delicate taste and reliance on a few simple, high-quality ingredients – just like our Lemon Sorbetto.

Our friends at Della Vite created a Remeo x Della Vite Sgroppino; click here to see the Delevingne sisters in action. Allow our N.3 Siciliano Limone Sorbetto to rest for 15 minutes once out of the freezer, to be smooth enough to scoop and simply pour over a Prosecco of your choice.

Mango Bellini

The classic Italian Bellini was actually inspired by an artist- a soft pink hue painted by Venetian Giovanni Bellini captivated a young Italian mixologist so much that he was compelled to transform it into the cocktail that would one day be enjoyed all across the world. Our Remeo mangoes are sourced in India and selected carefully from the Alphonso variety, considered to be the most flavourful. The result is a sparklingly sweet cocktail, worthy of the great Giovanni himself.

To create the perfect Mango Bellini, blend one of our Alphonso Mango Sorbetto Sticks with a dash of water to make a mango coulis and then simply pour over 100ml of Prosecco and garnish with a fresh mint leaf.

Tiramisu Martini

A modern twist on an old favourite, the smooth and rich flavour of our N.7 Tiramisu Al Mascarpone Gelato creates a velvety and indulgent Martini – perfect as an after dinner dessert on a carefree summer night. The trick to a good Martini is simplicity – quality alcohol and fresh ingredients combine in the perfect combination of classic Italian dessert and sophisticated after dark aperitivo.

To create our take on an Espresso Martini, melt two scoops of our N.7 Tiramisu Al Mascarpone Gelato and add to a cocktail shaker along with the rum, coffee, vanilla extract and ice and shake for a couple of minutes. Pour and serve with a sprinkling of cocoa powder and three coffee beans.

Click to shop our whole range of Gelato, Sorbetto and Sticks here. 

Cin Cin!