Take Your Pick
Mountains of Gelato on display in Siena Italy -
The History of Gelato dates back to the 16th century - Most stories credit Bernardo Buontalenti, a native of Florence, who delighted the court of Caterina dei Medici with his creation, (hence the “age old adage” the best way to a woman’s heart is through gelato.)
If Bernardo brought gelato to Caterina dei Medici, it is the people of Italy who introduced gelato to the rest of Europe, starting with Sicilian born Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, undoubtedly one of the most influential individuals in the history of gelato, as he was one of the first to sell it to the public.
Called to Paris in 1686, Francesco opened a café named after himself called "Café Procope", which quickly became one of the most celebrated haunts of the literary establishment in France.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the art of traditional gelato making was passed on from father to son, improved and perfected right up to the 20th century, when many gelato makers began to emigrate, taking their know-how to the rest of Europe and to Brazil where Gelato is quite popular.
7 responses
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Kathleen Mercado said (5 Oct 2009):
Chocolate or coconut (preferably both) please! This is terrific...and thank you for the history!:)
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Susan Littlefield gave props (5 Oct 2009):
You're kidding, right?!?!? Who could pick? A delectable photo and interesting information to boot!!
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Dawn Duffield (Deleted) gave props (5 Oct 2009):
gelato...only in Italy can you find true gelato!
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Mary Brown gave props (6 Oct 2009):
Beautiful shot of my favorite dessert! When in Italy, it's mandatory to have gelato every day! Thank you for the history.
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Kevin Kabuki gave props (11 Oct 2009):
Love the crunchy cocaine bits.
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Maurie A gave props (15 Oct 2009):
Yum...... I'll have a cup of each!!!!!
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david ong gave props (15 Oct 2009):
decision decision...of course fat is not the factor here!
Also by Rob Case
