THE HISTORY OF GELATO, IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES (YOUTUBE VIDEO)
So who invented the Gelato that so many people around the world enjoy today? The exact history is a little fuzzy but we do know that before the Italians were making this treat, an earlier form of the frozen dessert was served in a simpler form to Pharaohs in Egypt and Emperors in China. Snow and ice recovered from mountaintops was transported down and preserved as best as possible underground. Adding flavourings would produce a sweet treat in what was a primitive time by our standards. No Chocolate Bliss, no Salted Caramel or Peanut Butter Fudge Crunch but you have to start somewhere.
From what we’ve been able to gather, little change happened to our Italian delight through the age of the Roman Empire but small steps where taking place. Emperor Nero was said to be a “huge” fan of Gelato.
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It wasn’t until 1565 that Gelato and Sorbetto really started making strides for the masses. Bernardo Buontalenti, a cook from Florence, made an invention that made it all possible – refrigeration. His recipe and invention were nothing without a person who could finance this idea. He knew if he could present this idea to Catherine de’ Medici in France, he could have a chance to make his dream come true. Catherine was all too happy to help make history.
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Another significant milestone for Gelato happened in 1686 when the first true ice cream machine was invented. We can thank a Sicilian fisherman by the name of Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli for that one. Good job Francesco!
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Like an artist who’s never quite satisfied with his masterpiece, Italians kept making incremental improvements to their famous creation.
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In the 1930’s the first Gelato cart was invented in Varese Italy. Can you imagine who many of these things are around now?
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So that’s a brief history lesson that made Salt Spring Gelato possible. Thank you King Tut, Emperor Nero, Bernardo and Francisco! We owe you one!
What’s the difference between Gelato and Ice Cream?
