Tasty dilemma: Ice cream, sorbet or granita, which to choose?

While these desserts look similar at first glance, they differ in composition, texture and preparation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between three popular desserts, discover where they come from, delve into their unique characteristics and learn about their preparation processes.

ICE CREAM

• THE HISTORY OF ICE CREAM

Ice cream, this popular dessert, has a rich history dating back to ancient cultures. Thousands of years ago, people enjoyed chilled desserts prepared in a variety of ways. The first records of ice cream date back to the Tang Dynasty in China, where they used snow mixed with fruit juice and honey.

Other ancient cultures, including the Romans and the Persians, were familiar with similar chilled desserts. However, it was not until the 16th century in Italy that ice cream as we know it today began to take shape. There, it was made by combining frozen milk, sugar and different flavours.

• CHARACTERISTICS OF ICE CREAM

Ice cream is a dairy dessert that delights with its creamy texture and rich flavour. Its basic composition includes milk, cream, sugar and various additives and flavourings. Thanks to the high milk and cream content, the ice cream is extremely creamy and rich with a distinctive smooth texture.

• ICE CREAM PREPARATION

When making ice cream, the key is to create a basic milk mixture that will ensure a creamy and rich texture.

In a bowl, combine the milk, cream, sugar and additives or flavourings such as vanilla or cocoa. Then heat the mixture over a low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Once the desired consistency has been reached, place the cooled mixture in the fridge to chill - at least for a few hours or even better overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the flavours of the ice cream to develop well. Once the mixture is completely chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker or a shallow baking tray, depending on the equipment you have available. When the ice cream is ready, it can be served and enjoyed in delicious and refreshing bites.

EASY ICE CREAM PREPARATION

If you decide to make delicious homemade ice cream and have a limited amount of time, we highly recommend using BAM Ice Cream Mix.

With this mix, you can easily create an extremely tasty, fluffy and light ice cream with a milky blossom flavour, without the need for a special ice cream maker. This ice cream is extremely easy to make, simply by mixing the ice cream mix with the whipped cream.

For an extra flavour boost, you can mix delicious BAM spreads into the ice cream or pour BAM toppings on top of the ice cream served.

This quick and easy solution allows you to make a delicious homemade dessert in just a few steps that will delight all sweet tooths.

SORBET

• THE HISTORY OF SORBET

Sorbet, a refreshing fruity treat, originated in the ancient Near East, where refreshing desserts based on fruit and ice were appreciated in antiquity. The first records of sorbet date back to the Persian Empire, where a mixture of crushed ice, fruit juice and sugar was prepared. The concept of sorbet then spread to medieval Europe and then to France, where more refined recipes for this refreshing dessert were developed.

• CHARACTERISTICS OF SORBET

Sorbet is a fruit dessert known for its light and refreshing nature. It consists of fruit juice or puree, sugar and water and is free from milk, cream and fat. The absence of dairy products makes sorbet lighter and more refreshing than ice cream. When the sorbet melts in the mouth, it leaves behind a refreshing sensation, perfect for warm summer days.

• SORBET PREPARATION

Making sorbet takes time and patience, and the key steps include making the fruit puree, adding the sugar, water and freezing.

First, the fruit puree is prepared by washing, peeling, slicing and blending the fruit in a food processor until smooth. Add the sugar to the puree and stir well to dissolve completely, then gradually add the water until the desired sorbet consistency is reached. Pour the prepared puree into a shallow baking dish and place in the freezer, stirring occasionally during the process to prevent ice crystals from forming. When the sorbet is completely frozen, it is ready to serve.

GRANITA

• THE HISTORY OF GRANITA

Granita, a unique dessert, has its roots deep in sunny Sicily, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea.

The name ''granita'' comes from the Latin word ''granum'', which translates as ''grain'', referring to the granular texture of this dessert. Originally, granita was prepared in the simple way of freezing freshly squeezed fruit juice or coffee in metal containers, then stirring the mixture occasionally with a fork or spoon to form the tiny ice crystals that still give granita its unique granular texture today.

• CHARACTERISTIC OF GRANITE

Granite is known for its coarse texture created by fine ice crystals. This crunchiness provides a different experience compared to creamy desserts, as each bite brings a refreshing explosion of flavour and texture. In addition, granita offers a wide range of flavours as it can be made from different liquids such as coffee, fruit juices or even syrups with different flavours.

• PREPARATION OF GRANITA

The preparation of granita is simple but requires some basic steps to ensure that the final product has the desired texture and taste.

The first step is to prepare the sweetened drink that will be the base for the granita. Different liquids can be chosen, such as coffee or fruit juice. Cool the prepared drink to room temperature. It is important thatthe drink is sweetened, as the sugar will help to maintain the granita''s proper consistency. Once the sweetened drink is ready, pour it into a shallow baking tray and place it in the freezer.

During the freezing process, it is essential to stir the drink occasionally with a fork. This prevents larger ice crystals from forming in the drink, instead forming tiny crystals that give the granita its characteristic granular texture. Stir every hour until the granita is completely frozen. When the granita is ready, it can be served and enjoyed with refreshing summer nibbles .

CONCLUSION

Ice cream, sorbet and granita are three delicious desserts that can give us pleasant moments of sweet pleasure. Although they have some similarities, they differ in composition, texture and preparation. Whether you choose a creamy ice cream, a refreshing sorbet or a grainy granita, these delicacies are guaranteed to delight your senses and give you moments of sweet pleasure. Each of these desserts has its own charm and unique taste that will delight and refresh you on hot summer days.