Italian ice
A semi-frozen fruit-flavored ice treat without dairy.
Italian ice is a semi-frozen dessert made from finely crushed ice and fruit concentrates, juices, or other flavorings. It comes from Sicilian granita and was brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants. Unlike sherbet, it contains no dairy or eggs.
Quick Facts
- Country
- United States
- Course
- Dessert
- Main ingredients
- Water, fruit (concentrate, juice, or purée)
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The Italian word sorbetto and English sherbet come from fruit syrups sweetened with honey or palm sugar and diluted with water that were once drunk by Arabs.
- In Italy, Italian ice or granita seems to have appeared at the same time as ice cream in the second half of the 17th century.
- Italian ice can be used as a stand-alone refreshment, dessert, or as a palate restorer in a multi-course meal.
Water ice
In Philadelphia and its metropolitan area, including South Jersey, residents and natives commonly refer to and sell this finely granulated flavored ice as water ice. Although largely synonymous with Italian ice, water ice has also been described as a specific type or variation on the more broadly accepted Italian ice, originating in Philadelphia. It is a popular frozen dessert sold there in late spring and summer, with commercial chains such as Rita's Italian Ice.
More in Italian Desserts
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