Gelato is, essentially, Italian ice cream. However, it has less fat, is denser, and usually more flavorful than commercial brand American ice creams. Here in the Boise Co-op Deli we carry the exceptional Trovare Gelato. Trovare Gelato is the passion and efforts of Scott and Joy Caisse, who after traveling to Italy, decided that the best way to keep gelato in their domestic lives was to make it their livelihood. That’s a serious commitment!

Starting in 2001, they have owned and operated a kiosk in Boise Towne Square Mall, and have a production facility in the Valley where they make the various batches of eye appealing, and very creative assortment of flavors that we have to offer in the Co-op Deli.

The bases, or extracts, are shipped from Italy, along with the nifty cups and spoons, to Scott and Joy, where the two day process of hand blending and mixing begins. They use the more traditional, labor intensive method, as opposed to an “instant pudding” method. Joy also applies the provocative designs and decorations adorning many of the gelato tubs in the Deli display case that many customers, young and old, comment upon – and for good reason; a three dimensional guide, as it were!

Because the gelato is hand-made, it contains less air, about half as much as commercial ice creams, and less fat, too. A small four ounce serving of the fruit based selections has one gram of fat, and 130-170 calories while the milk based flavors have 6 grams of fat, and about 200 calories. All of the fruit based gelatos are vegan, and dairy free. This has been a big plus for many parents of kids who are lactose intolerant, and want a refreshing after school treat. It’s always fun for me to see the look on the kids’ faces when Mom brings them in for a gelato treat. We do allow for kids – kids of all ages – to have a sample taste of whatever they may be curious about, because Scott and Joy offer such a unique and varied “field” of flavors, and you simply have to know what they might taste like.

While the primary flavorings come from Italy, the other components are local all the way: Idaho Springs Water Company for the fruit based gelatos, local sugar, watermelon and blackberries from the Berry Ranch in Nampa, peaches from Kelly Orchards in Weiser- this couple knows how to keep a locavore happy!

A 130 gram cup (about 4 oz ) of gelato sells for $2.95, and a 200 gram cup for $3.95. We also sell “to go”: pints and quarts in insulated Styrofoam containers, at $9.99 per pound, for you to take to a dinner party, Shakespeare, wherever. This concept already has an established following, especially when the opportunity for an outdoor gathering is possible-weather wise.

It seems that the possibilities for flavors that Scott and Joy use are endless, and customers eagerly anticipate what is next to arrive (we recently added Bubblegum, but when this article reaches you, it might be gone). Amongst the more popular, and consistently offered flavors in the Deli are:

Bounty Chocolate ( a blend of Coconut, Hazelnut, and Chocolate)

Cheesecake (New York Style)

Pink Grapefruit

Cinnamon Almond Crunch

Tiramisu

Pistachio

Here are a few flavors we’ve had before, and some we just might see in the near future:

Lavender ( I asked Scott to expound on this, but since all of the flavors are sourced from Italy, all we know is that it’s Italian Lavender – go figure)

Bubblegum

Avocado (this one is “out there” for me, but I am willing to try it-how about you?)

Gingerbread

Watermelon

More good news: for those who can’t make up their mind, or don’t want to – you don’t have to! We often honor the request to put two flavors in one cup – even the smaller serving to satisfy the epicurean needs of Co-op Deli patrons.

More Adult Good News: The Gelato Cafe in Meridian (which Scott and Joy sold two years ago to another local, Brian Wetzel) has discovered that Trovare Gelato, any flavor you find to your liking, makes a dog-gone good Martini! That is an idea that could provide exponential possibilities for making the Martini of your dreams. Dream on….