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What is Fior di Latte or Fiordilatte?
And is it cheese or a flavor of gelato? "Fior di latte", also written as "fiordilatte", simply means "milk flower", or, less, literally, "the best part of the milk". If you're in a gelato shop, this is the simplest flavor offered. It's simply milk, cream, and sugar. Just like crema , gelato purists will often taste a new gelateria's fior di latte because it's impossible to hide behind fancy flavors or interesting preparation. If the milk isn't good, or the cream low-quality,


7 Quick Tips for Italian Dining Etiquette
Top tips for being polite and eating like an Italian—from where to put the bread to how to toast.


7 Best Places to Eat Frittelle in Venice
Where to get the best pastries in Venice during Carnevale.


Traditional Venetian Pastries for Carnival (or Carnevale)
A quick explanation of three classic pastries to eat during Carnevale in Venice.


What is Frutti di Bosco?
And why is frutti di bosco offered as both a gelato and sorbet? Frutti di bosco translates to "fruit of the forest". Most English-speaking countries would call this "mixed berries" or "mixed fruit". It usually includes blueberries, raspberries, [wild] strawberries, red and/or black currants, elderberries, and blackberries. For those of you who prefer a creamier version of these fruits, some gelaterie will offer this as a gelato (so a base of milk and cream) and some will offe


What is Crema in Italy?
One of the most confusing gelato flavors, if judging solely by name If you're about to order and you're panicking, "crema" is what the English-speaking world calls custard . If you don't speak a word of Italian, you might think that "crema" means "cream" and it's going to be a very inoffensive flavor and that would be incorrect. Crema is closer to pastry custard than fresh cream since egg yolks give crema its distinctive yellow color, and because of this, it can definitely ha


What is Bacio Gelato?
And is this not the same thing as gianduia? Pronounced "bah-cho", this is either a flavor (of gelato, if you found this article), or...


What is Gianduia?
And how do I pronunce "gianduia"? Not to be confused to bacio (based off the famous Perugina chocolate "Baci", though they are remarkably...


What is Nocciola, the Classically Italian Flavor Found in Every Gelateria?
And where can I find the best kind of nocciola? If you're in line for gelato and you're in a rush, nocciola is hazelnut in Italian. If you have a few more seconds before it's your turn, keep reading to find out a little more information on what to look for before ordering. Hazelnuts before being made in gelato. The best variety comes from either the Piedmont region (spelled "Piemonte" in Italian) region or the area around Viterbo (this is much easier to find in Rome since Vi


Can I Order a Cappuccino After Lunch?
What's the deal with this commonly-heard coffee rule? One of the most common rules around drinking coffee in Italy often finds its way...


What is an Aperitivo?
And why do Italians eat and drink so much before lunch and dinner? If you prefer, you can listen to our podcast episode on this very...


Espresso Drinks and How to Order Them
A list of common espresso drinks and what they mean This article might make use of affiliate links. Using them will financially support...


Most Common Gelato Flavors in Italy
Looking at what flavors to expect, and where to find the unexpected Italians have hard and fast rules when it comes to flavors. Of anything. Pastries, pasta, bread, it doesn't matter. You mess with the flavors, you might just start a fight. Anyone who has watched the first episode of Chef's Table with Massimo Bottura already knows this—Italians don't do well with non-traditional foods. It's not always bad, however. I'm a huge fan of pistachio gelato, and I can pretty much cou


The Gelato Cone: Best and Worst Kinds
A good gelato experience starts with the cone This article might make use of affiliate links which help support the website This short...


What is Panna?
A simple addition that makes or breaks gelato. This article might make use of affiliate links which help support the website. Panna is...


What is Gelato?
One of Italy's greatest contributions to humankind, which is much higher in fat content. Every year, millions of people flock to Italy to see the Duomo in Florence, the Colosseum in Rome, the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, and, for many of them, to taste gelato. While gelato might seem like an afterthought for many tourists, and nowhere near as important as a great pizza or a plate of cacio e pepe , it can still make (or break) a culinary experience. So, what is gelato? Cream,


How To Find The Best Gelato In Italy
Not all gelato is made equally—here's how to tell the difference This article might make use of affiliate links which help support the...
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