If you know or follow me, you know that I LOVE gelato! And visiting the Carpigiani Gelato Museum in Bologna was long on my bucket list…
This post is long overdue but the memories still bring a smile to my face. How sweet it was!
♥ First the Gelato Festival World Tour Came to Santa Barbara
Needless to say, I was delighted when the Gelato Festival World Tour came to Santa Barbara in October 2017, and I asked to be a Gelato Judge! Heaven for this gelato aficionado! The entire weekend turned out to be delicious fun!
When I mentioned that it was always my dream to visit the Carpigiani Gelato University and Museum, they introduced me to the right person who put me in touch with the local marketing team in Bologna and the rest is, well, read on…
♥ Bologna
When I knew I would be going to Italy the following spring, I reached out and along with my other marvelous days in Bologna (first time!), I had a date to spend a half-day with a private tour of the museum and to become an honorary gelataio (gelato maker)! Wow! I could hardly wait!
♥ Carpigiani
From the minute I arrived, I was greeted, guided and offered an absolutely wonderful experience! Michela, Edoardo and Carlotta were so gracious and accommodating!
My own tour of the Museum, gelato-making experience (we made lime sorbetto! YUM!) and a visit to their cafeteria and more gelato tasting! Heaven!
Located on the outskirts of Bologna their headquarters are located in Anzola dell’Emilia. Both the Gelato Museum and Gelato University are located here in the Carpigiani headquarters – an impressive, innovative industrial space.
Since incorporating in 1946, Carpigiani has been the leader in the production of machines for gourmet gelato, better known as Italian-style ice cream. Walk into any gelateria, anywhere, and you are more than likely to see a gelato machine made by Carpigiani!
“As the culture of Italian ice cream spread across the globe during the 1960s and 1970s, Carpigiani began to expand rapidly all over the world, opening its first overseas branches and developing a sales network of exclusive dealerships which have since guaranteed widespread distribution and continuous, prompt support for end users.”
In 1989, Carpigiani became part of the Milan-based Ali Group: “one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for the food service industry.”
“ Today Carpigiani is the global leader in the production of equipment for fresh ice cream, pastry and much more. Over the years the company has also continued to consolidate its position as the leading manufacturer of equipment for soft serve, frozen yogurt, shakes, slush and whipped cream.”
♥ The Gelato University
The Carpigiani Gelato University was founded in 2003. Their mission was simple:
“…founded in 2003 with the mission to spread the culture of fresh Italian artisan gelato.”
Since fall of 2012 the Carpigiani Gelato University offers a full service training center for those wanting to become a professional gelataio (gelato maker) or own a gelato shop in addition to other specialties. Courses are offered at 15 campuses including the USA and around the world.
♥ The Gelato Museum
I absolutely LOVED the Gelato Museum! They have curated an outstanding experience featuring, of course, gelato and gelato making – its history (which is fascinating) to its popularity today!
The Museum exhibit includes original vintage gelato machines and carts, a fascinating display of photos (10,000 images and documents!), plus a wide array of tools, accessories, videos, multi-media presentations, you name it! Definitely the ultimate gelato education!
♥ Gelato Maker for a Day!
After my guided tour, I was handed an apron and signature hat, and my hands on gelato making experience began! We actually made sorbetto which has relatively simple ingredients and is dairy free (sugar, water, fresh fruit juice and a few other ingredients). Choosing between fresh lemons or limes, I chose lime.
I was educated about the science of sorbet. Yes, there is an exact science and recipe to all of this to get the exact taste and consistency a là Carpigiani. Carefully following all of the preparation steps, the mixture is deposited in a magical machine (Carpigiani, of course) and in no time (much less than when you have to freeze it at home!), ecco, sorbetto!
The finished product is scooped into a bowl with a spatula of sorts. Notice that, although it’s lime, it’s not lime green! The fresh juice is not green so if you get sorbetto or gelato and it’s a bright color, it typically has had food coloring added. So, don’t be fooled! Always go artisan and authentic!
Of course, the only way to test the success of our efforts is to taste it, si? And it is sublime! Fresh, refreshing, mmmm, favoloso!
I was a proud “graduate” and was awarded successful Gelato Maker Masterclass Certificate of Participation. We then went to their cafeteria to enjoy lunch and then to their own gelateria for a few more tastings…a perfect day for this gelato fan!
♥ Grazie to everyone at Carpigiani who were so welcoming and accommodating – I absolutely loved every minute… it’s a day I’ll never forget!
You can book your own Gelato Experience at Carpigiani Gelato University! Bring the kids and enjoy! After all, who doesn’t love gelato!
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♥ Do you love gelato, too? What’s your favorite flavor? If you have been to Italy, where was your favorite gelateria? Please share!
♦ CLICK HERE For Links to Other Museum Visits You May Enjoy!
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♦ When you are ready to travel again, we are here and we are ready to help you! ♦ Victoria & Friends
