Falling asleep to soft breezes, rustling curtains and chirping crickets are some of the many beautiful and relaxing parts of summer vacation. School just got out and staying cool is on the top of your to-do list, besides purposefully annoying your mom with the occasional "I'm bored" and procrastinating on your summer assignments of course. Your 8-year-old self can't wait to jump into pools and run into lakes, just taking in the carefree adventures around you. Nothing, however, beats the heat like a frozen treat and finding ice cream in the freezer or going out for frozen yogurt.
But what exactly is the difference between ice cream and frozen yogurt? And what about the soft serve at the hot dog joint down the street? You're sure you've heard your mom say "gelato" once before...or maybe she was asking the lady at the ice cream parlor for sorbet? Or was is sherbet? And what the heck is frozen custard?! This article will tell you all about the differences between each amazing treat and what makes them unique!
1. Ice Cream - the classic
Cookies and creme, chocolate chip cookie dough, and even moose tracks, the possibilities are endless! Ice cream is made of mostly sugar, cream and milk. It becomes so rich and fluffy because of the amount of dairy as well as air. Yes, air is a main ingredient! More air makes a fluffier, less dense product and almost doubles in size while being whipped up. Ice cream was also part of World War II as each U.S. branch competed amongst themselves, keeping track of who served their men more ice cream.
2. Frozen Yogurt - the trendy treat
TCBY was the first to introduce this tart ice cream alternative to the American '80s. Pinkberry, a famous frozen yogurt chain, founded in California, brought frozen yogurt to a whole new level by starting the new self-serve way. Fro-yo is more tart, originating from yogurt, and contains less fat than ice cream. However, topping choices can really add to the ounces and the calories.
3. Soft Serve - the frozen yogurt look-alike and ice cream wannabe.
During production, less air is used than in ice cream but just about as much as frozen yogurt. However, the taste is not quite so tart and can be just as fattening as ice cream. This particular treat is served a little warmer than ice cream and had the famous Dairy Queen as one of its original founders.
4. Gelato - means ice cream in Italian, but they're not quite the same thing.
This soft and dense ice cream has a small amount of air and must contain at least 3.5 percent butterfat. While being made, there is a heating process in which the sugars can all dissolve, heightening the natural flavors such as the popular pistacchio (pistachio), caffè (coffee) and nocciola (hazelnut). Gelato is also served at a warmer temperature and has less fat than ice cream.
5. Sherbet - often mispronounced "sherbert," is richer than a sorbet and lighter than ice cream.
Sherbet is made with fruit and cream and could include buttermilk and/or egg whites. Sherbet contains more sugar than ice cream, however it doesn't have its high fat content. Sherbet was brought to America in the 1950s in Philadelphia, and still remains a popular option to this day.
6. Sorbet - similar to sherbet except it is made of fruit and sugar and is a non-dairy.
Sorbet is a gluten-free option and has little to no fat. It is often used as a palate cleanser at special occasions such as weddings and independence day balls, and is served very cold. Sorbet if often also called "sorbetto" which is its Italian name. The most popular sorbets are lime, lemon, mint and strawberry.
7. Frozen Custard - founded in Coney Island in New York in 1919.
Custard is very dense and is churned slowly, contrary to ice cream, to prevent too much of air's fluffy contributions. Frozen custard is usually prepared fresh and contains more egg yolk solids than other choices, making it softer and creamier. Milwaukee has the most frozen custard shops in the entire world.
So next time you're perusing the frozen foods section or you're at the local dairy shack, remind yourself of what each kind of frozen treat really is and what you're actually in the mood for. Enjoy!
