Thursday, February 4, 2010

Flower-Infused Gelato...just because it's Valentine's season

Fun Facts about Flower-Infused Gelato that you wanted to know but were afraid to ask:

1. Rose water was first produced in the medieval Islamic world through the distillation of roses.

2. Rose water has an affinity for vanilla, cream, White chocolate, rice and mild cheeses such as Brie or cream cheese.

3. Violet Gelato is inspired by the preparation of the Candied Violets "Violette candite", an old Northern Italy tradition, where fresh flowers were meticulously candied with sugar and served with Glazed Chestnuits - Marron Glace.

4. The citrus floral taste of lavender is characteristic of French provincial cooking.

5. Warm honey gently infused with lavender in a tea ball or cheesecloth bag to insure a subtle and intriguing flavor into the honey.

Other Flower-Infused Fun Facts from Paciugo Gelato Caffe Hermosa Beach:

1. Lavender is an outstanding companion to lemon. You can add even more zest to recipes with lemon by adding the mystery of Lavender. Everything from lemonade and pound cake to lemon chicken.

2. The flowers, leaves and roots of various Viola species are used for medicinal purposes. They are rich in Vitamins A and C. Contains a type of antioxidant called anthocyanin. Viola flowers are also used to make Chinese herbal tea.