Italiano
Ice-cream… maybe one of the most powerful word to put a smile on kids, adults and elderly.
But what’s the origin of it?
Well, there have been several kind of “ice-cream-like” recipes during the centuries. The first one may be traced back to the China ruled by the Han dynasty (2nd Century BC). And then similar dishes containing honey, fruits, milk, mint or spices, were served frozen during the Roman Empire, or in the Courts of the European Kingdoms during Middle Ages.
And the traditional Italian recipe of “Gelato”?
That’s another topic of discussion. The legend (likely untrue) says it was brought by Marco Polo from China (along with pasta, probably, which is another myth).
But the guy who’s credited for coming up with the very first “gelato” was Procopio Cutò, a Sicilian Chef.
Procopio’s grandad had built years before, using rudimental gears and components, a “Gelato-maker machine”. The grandson decided to take this and try his luck in the most important city at that time, Paris. There He achieved to open, after years of apprenticeship, his own café in Paris (which still exists, the “Café Procope”), where he used to serve Gelato in small porcelain bowls to the public. A novelty that amazed artists, politicians and other notables.
