Homemade ice cream from Emilia: a delight for the palate
Emilia is not only the land of fine cured meats, fresh pasta and great wines, but also a reference point for those in search of high-quality artisanal ice cream. Prepared with fresh, local and selected ingredients, Emilia’s artisan ice cream is a celebration of tradition, capable of conquering the palate with authentic flavours and irresistible creaminess.
In this article we discover the origins, the secrets of artisanal production, the iconic flavours that make Emilian ice cream unique, and how Exè enhances this tradition.
The origins of artisan ice cream
The roots of Italian ice cream go back to the Renaissance, when the cooks of the Emilian courts began experimenting with cold desserts made with ice, sugar and fruit. Emilia, with its wealth of quality raw materials, helped elevate artisanal ice cream to a true culinary art.
The ice-cream parlours of Emilia, often family-run, have been able to maintain their ties with tradition, renewing themselves with the use of modern techniques and attention to sustainability.
The secrets of Emilian artisan ice cream
Artisanal ice cream from Emilia is characterised by attention to detail and the use of the highest quality ingredients, often sourced locally. Here are the secrets that make it unique:
1. Local raw materials: fresh milk, high quality cream, seasonal fruit and typical products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Emilian hazelnuts.
2. Artisanal processing: production takes place in small batches, guaranteeing freshness and careful control over every stage of the process.
3. No chemical additives: there are no preservatives, artificial colourings or hydrogenated fats in Emilian artisan ice cream, only natural ingredients.
4. Passed down recipes: many ice cream parlours work according to family recipes, handed down from generation to generation, with an obsessive attention to detail.
The signature flavours of Emilian ice cream
Emilian artisan ice cream is distinguished by its ability to combine tradition and innovation, offering flavours that enhance the typical products of the region. Here are some of the specialities not to be missed:
• Crema Modenese: a rich and creamy flavour that pays homage to Modenese traditions, often enriched with a drizzle of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
• Parmigiano Reggiano ice cream: a surprising flavour, ideal both as a dessert and as an accompaniment for savoury dishes.
• Nocino: walnut liqueur ice cream typical of Emilia, perfect for those who love intense flavours.
• Torta Barozzi: inspired by the famous chocolate and coffee cake from Vignola, this ice cream combines sweetness and intensity.
• Milk and honey: made with fresh local milk and artisan honey, it is a classic that celebrates simplicity.
Homemade ice cream at Exè
At Exè Restaurant, artisanal ice cream from Emilia Romagna finds its highest expression, thanks to a careful selection of flavours that celebrate local products and traditional recipes.
Each dessert is prepared with fresh ingredients of the highest quality, inspired by the typical flavours of the territory. Among the most popular proposals are the Parmigiano Reggiano ice cream, served with caramelised pears and walnut granules, and the Lambrusco sorbet, perfect as a refreshing intermezzo or to end the meal with an elegant and original touch.
Another Exè speciality is Modenese balsamic cream, an ice cream that combines the sweetness of cream with the complexity of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Each taste is a journey into the authentic flavours of Emilia, enhanced by a careful presentation and combinations designed to surprise the palate.
Gourmet pairings: ice cream in the kitchen
Artisanal ice cream from Emilia lends itself not only to being enjoyed as a dessert, but also to becoming a creative element in the kitchen. Here are some gourmet pairings:
• Parmesan ice cream with caramelised pears and walnuts.
• Lambrusco sorbet as a refreshing interlude between courses.
• Nocino ice cream served with walnut cake or fruit tarts.
• Modenese cream ice cream with dark chocolate chips and fresh berries.
At Exè, ice cream becomes the protagonist of sophisticated desserts, designed to enhance the harmony of flavours and offer diners a unique experience.
Conclusion: a tradition of excellence
Artisanal gelato from Emilia is not only a pleasure for the palate, but a true symbol of quality and tradition. Prepared with passion and excellent raw materials, it represents the authenticity of Emilian cuisine, able to renew itself without ever losing the link with its roots.
Thanks to realities such as Exè Restaurant, artisan ice cream finds new interpretations, without forgetting respect for tradition. All you have to do is savour it in one of the region’s artisan ice-cream parlours or in Exè’s exclusive desserts, letting yourself be conquered by an unrivalled sweetness.