Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, derived from the Latin word "gelātus" (meaning frozen). In the late 1500s, the Medici family commissioned famous artist and architect Bernardo Buontalenti to prepare a feast for the visiting King of Spain. Using his culinary skills, Buontalenti presented the King of Spain with a creamy frozen dessert that we now call gelato. Buontalenti is therefore considered to be the inventor of gelato.
A sweet treat - chocolate gelato from Gelato Mio (Coolum Beach).
Gelato is generally made with milk instead of cream, so it contains less fat than traditional ice-cream. Egg yolks, gluten, or guar gum can be used as the stabilizing agent. Gelato is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, so it's denser because not as much air is whipped into the mixture. Gelato is typically stored and served at a slightly warmer temperature, so it's not quite completely frozen.
My favourite - House of Gelato (Maroochydore).
Some Gelato shops on the Sunshine Coast buy their ingredients from local farmers including fruit and Guernsey milk. Although many now use natural ingredients, it is best to ask If a gelato or sorbet contains any artificial colours, flavours or chemicals (especially if you are sensitive to additives). Sorbets are also a fantastic alternative for people who are on a dairy-free and/or gluten-free diet.
Chocoholics will love the dark chocolate gelato!
With so many flavours, it's hard to choose just one! Not every shop lets you try before you buy. That's why it's a good idea to get your friends or family together and head to your nearest gelateria, so you can try a bit of everyone's, and know exactly which flavour you want to try next time!
Coffee lovers take note!
Check out my top 10 places on the Sunshine Coast for your next gelato fix:
1. Gelateria MilanoCentrepoint Shopping Plaza, 82 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/milano.gelateria
2. House of GelatoSunshine Plaza, Horton Parade Maroochydore QLD 4558
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/House-of-Gelato/217217088337063
The burnt caramel gelato is extraordinary!
Element on Coolum Beach Shop 2
1806 David Low Way Coolum Beach QLD 4573
Website:
www.gelatomio.com.au
4. Massimo's Gelateria
75 Hastings St Noosa Heads QLD 4567
5. Gelatissimo
Website:
gelatissimo.com.au/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GelatissimoAU
With 3 locations on the sunny coast:
a) Noosa Bay Village on Hastings
Shop A1a Hastings St Noosa Heads QLD 4567
b) Oceans Resort
Shop 108, 101-105 The Esplanade Mooloolaba QLD 4557
c) Shop 17, Kawana Shoppingworld
119 Point Cartwright Drive Buddina QLD 4701
There is always something new on the menu.
3 Lanyana Way Noosa Fair Shopping Centre Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GelatoClassicoNoosa
3 Lanyana Way Noosa Fair Shopping Centre Noosa Heads
7. Nitrogenie
32 Hastings St Noosa Heads 4567
Website:
nitrogenie.com/where/noosa/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Nitrogenie
8. Amo Gelato Cafe
Shop 2, 201 Gympie Terrace (cnr Thomas St) Noosaville 4566
Website:
www.amogelato.com
9. Colin James Fine Foods
37 Maple St Maleny QLD 4552
Website:
www.colinjamesfinefoods.com.au/ice-cream-gelato-sorbet/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ColinJamesFineFoods
10. Bliss Icecreamery at The Ginger Factory
50 Pioneer Rd Yandina QLD 4561
Website:
www.gingerfactory.com.au/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thegingerfactory
And for my vegan and paleo friends who want a creamy dairy-free alternative, look for:
Skoop (Coconut milk gelato - dairy and gluten free)
8 Donald Ave Mooloolah Valley QLD 4553 (check website for stockists)
Website:
www.skoop.net.au/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/skoopgelato
and
Co Yo (vegan and gluten-free coconut yoghurt and ice-cream)
52 Central Park Drive Yandina QLD 4561 (check website for stockists)
Website:
www.coyo.com.au/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CoYo.AU
Please leave a comment about which is your favourite flavour and where you bought it, to share the magic that is gelato!
