.jpg) Lime-flavored water ice | |
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Water, fruit (concentrate, juice, orpurée) |
Italian ice is a semi-frozen sweetened treat composed of finely granulated ice and fruit concentrates, juices, orpurées, or other natural or artificial food flavorings.[1][2]Italian ice is derived fromItaliangranita and is in many ways similar tosorbet andsnow cones, but differs from American-stylesherbet in that it does not containdairy oregg ingredients.[1] The ingredients in Italian ice are mixed, then whipped during the freezing process similar to the process for making ice cream. As a group, Italian ice comes in a variety of consistencies from crunchy, to smooth, to slushy.[3] InPhiladelphia and theDelaware Valley, Italian ice is known aswater ice. InBoston and other places inNew England, it is known asslush — not to be confused with aslushie, which is a drink.
Italian ice was introduced to the United States byItalian immigrants and is derived from theSiciliangranita, a similar and related Italian dessert, with Italian immigrants often selling it in the streets of cities such asNew York City and Philadelphia.[4] Traditionallylemon-flavored, popular modern choices includecherry,strawberry, and other fruits and confections.[5]
The Italian wordsorbetto and Englishsherbet come from fruit syrups sweetened with honey or palm sugar and diluted with water that were once drunk by Arabs.[6]
In Italy, Italian ice orgranita seems to have appeared at the same time as ice cream in the second half of the 17th century. Both products use the same technology. Italian ice can be used as a stand-alone refreshment, dessert, or as a palate restorer in a multi-course meal.[7]
Finely granulated flavored ice of Italian immigrant origin is instead commonly referred to and sold as water ice by residents and natives ofPhiladelphia and thePhiladelphia metropolitan area, includingSouth Jersey.[8]
Although largely synonymous with Italian ice, water ice has also been described as a specific type of Italian ice originating in Philadelphia, or a "variation on the more broadly-accepted Italian ice".[9]
Water ice is generally sold in the Philadelphia metropolitan area in the late spring and summer months, being one of the most popular frozendesserts sold in the city by virtue of commercial chains such asRita's Italian Ice.[10]
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