It’s a frozen treat made from water, sugar and some sort of flavoring — usually fruit. It is firmer than a slushy, softer than sorbet and smoother than granita. Unlike with a snow cone, the flavor is mixed in before freezing, instead of being poured over a frozen ball at the end.
Is water ice a Philly thing?
In Philadelphia, summer means it’s time for water ice. The fruity frozen treat is a signature food for the City of Brotherly Love, making up the third part of the Philly food triumvirate (along with cheesesteaks and pretzels).
What is the difference between shaved ice and water ice?
Italian ice (and water ice, for that matter) are made in a process similar to ice cream. The ingredients are mixed together and then frozen. When you make shaved ice, the ice is frozen in cubes or blocks, shaved into very fine pieces, and then flavored with syrups and other toppings.
Why does Philadelphia call Italian ice water ice?
As a finished product, it’s a refreshing icy dessert, more coarse than sorbet. On American soil, granita became known as Italian Ice, and specifically in Philadelphia, as water ice.
Is there a difference between water ice and Italian ice?
While it’s similar to shaved ice and Italian ice, water ice is different. It’s creamier than shaved ice yet icier than Italian ice. And just three ingredients are needed to make the classic recipe: water, sugar, and fruit.
What states say water ice?
Finely granulated flavored ice is commonly referred to and sold as water ice by residents and natives of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia metropolitan area (Delaware Valley), including South Jersey and areas of Delaware.
Is gelato the same as Italian Ice?
Italian ice should not be confused with gelato, which is a form of Italian ice cream. Italian ice is a frozen confection somewhat similar to shaved ice or snow cones.
Is water ice the same as a snow cone?
It’s a frozen treat made from water, sugar and some sort of flavoring — usually fruit. It is firmer than a slushy, softer than sorbet and smoother than granita. Unlike with a snow cone, the flavor is mixed in before freezing, instead of being poured over a frozen ball at the end.
What is New Orleans style shaved ice?
A sno-ball is a Louisiana confection made with finely shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup. Commonly confused with the snow cone or snowball, the ice of a sno-ball is fine and fluffy; while a snow cone’s ice is coarse, crunchy, and granular.