Italian ice - online puzzles

Italian ice

Italian ice is a frozen or semi-frozen sweetened treat made with finely granulated ice and fruit (often from concentrates, juices, or purées) or other natural or artificial food flavorings.

Italian ice is similar to sorbet and snow cones, but differs from American-style sherbet in that it does not contain dairy or egg ingredients.Italian ice was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants and is derived from the Sicilian granita, a similar and related Italian dessert. Common flavors include lemon, cherry, mango, cotton candy and other fruits and confections.

Finely granulated flavored ice of Italian immigrant origin is instead commonly referred to and sold as water ice by residents and natives of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including South Jersey. Water ice is almost identical to Italian ice, as it is similarly derived from granita brought to the Philadelphia area by Italian immigrants in early 20th century.

Though largely synonymous with Italian ice, water ice has also been described as a specific type of Italian ice originating in Philadelphia, or a "variation on the more broadly-accepted Italian ice."Water ice is generally sold in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia metropolitan area in the late spring and summer months, being one of the most popular iconic frozen desserts sold in the city by virtue of commercial chains such as Rita's Italian Ice.