What are the differences between Gelato, Sherbet and Sorbet?

Gelato

A frozen dessert that comes from Italy and is translated to “ice cream”. It has less sugar and less milk fat than traditional American Ice Cream. Gelato is a lot richer and denser than ice cream as there is less air incorporation when it's produced. Flavors are usually more intense because there are less impediments like egg yolks, cream and air in gelato. 

Gelato is usually served a little warmer than traditional ice cream. With a differential of four to ten degrees warmer, this makes gelato more palatable and flavor rich. The dining experience is a lot more pleasurable and could be seen as the better option from ice cream.

Sherbet  

What is sherbet? The simple explanation is ice cream's fruitier cousin. Pastel coloring,

usually has a rich and creamy texture. Flavors ranging from raspberry to lime and orange. 

Sherbet must have 10 percent or more milk fat and 1 to 2 percent butterfat. It may or may not contain egg yolks 

Sherbet can also be made at home in a powerful blender. Frozen fruit, honey, milk, vanilla extract and serve. 

Sherbet is a simple frozen dessert recipe that doesn't require the same complexity as ice cream and certainly not the same preservatives, fats and air incorporation. But it has all the flavor, texture and sweetness as gelato and ice cream. Maybe less flavor and more fat than gelato but still a great way to have a frozen treat during a hot day or after a delicious meal.

Sorbet

The word ”sorbet'' comes from the French derived from the Italian word “sorbetto”. Originally developed in ancient Perisa in 550 BCE as a flavored ice drink, the dessert we know today was developed in 1674 in France. 

Sorbet was typically served as an intermediate to the main roast entree to refresh the palate and aid digestion. The Italians call it intermezzo and is usually a lemon flavored sorbet with a mint garnish. 

This water based frozen deliciousness can be made with or without an ice cream maker. Fruit puree based with no air incorporation, no milk or butter fat and no added sugar. Sorbet is a great low calorie dessert or “intermezzo” that is loved around the world.