Go Back
Print this page

Food + Cooking

Ice Desserts Around the World

Published in Gourmet Live 08.22.12
Snow cone, granita, granizada, raspao—no matter what you call it, shave ice is a ubiquitous sweet reinvented on nearly every corner of the Earth

By Kelly Senyei
From the streets of India to the hillside paths of Guatemala, shave ice takes on new life—and new garnishes—as a universal delight in the world's frozen-dessert scene. Take a visual tour of a few of our icy favorites and discover how the story of a country's cuisine is often told through the toppings.

1 of 8

Ice Treat: Granita

Country of Origin: Italy

Description: Gelato may be king among Italy's dairy-based desserts, but when it comes to simple sweetness, the granita takes the confectionary crown. Also known as Italian ice, granita is a frozen blend of water, sugar, and a wide variety of flavorings, including fruit, fresh herbs, spices, and one of the most popular flavors, coffee or espresso, as shown in the above photo. The consistency of a granita varies by region and can be as smooth as sorbet or as chunky as a slushie.

PHOTO: STEPHEN LEUNG
1 of 8
Previous Button Top Next Button Top
Keywords
snow cone,
ice,
dessert,
Gourmet Live,
Kelly Senyei

Related Links