Do YOU know the difference between ice cream and gelato? The folks at The Chocolate Bar in Westfield sure do–they’re experts in cool, creamy gelato, and they offer the most impressive variety of HOMEMADE gelato around!

The word “gelato” means “ice cream” in Italian, but there are key differences between the two chilly treats. Gelato is made with more milk and fewer eggs (sometimes no eggs at all), whereas true ice cream is heavy on the cream and eggs and has a fat content of 10 percent or greater. That means gelato has less fat and fewer calories than full-fat ice cream–sign me up!

The churning process is different for gelato as well–ice cream is churned at a faster pace and as a result is lighter in texture than gelato, which is denser from a slower churn (because less air is mixed into it).

Gelato is also served a few degrees warmer than ice cream. So will you avoid that classic “brain freeze” from eating gelato instead of ice cream? I plan to eat copious amounts of both this summer to make a valid comparison.

When you have a craving for gelato (or want to try it for the first time), stop in to The Chocolate Bar and get your fix night or day. They offer up to 25 homemade flavors, including the very popular Rocher (made with Ferrero Rocher candy), stracciatella (vanilla with ribbons of chocolate shavings throughout), and nocciola (hazelnut), as well as more traditional flavors like raspberry and chocolate. They also make gelato shakes (yum!) and gelato cakes! And of course, they continue to offer a wonderful assortment of homemade chocolates and gourmet coffee drinks.

You can find The Chocolate Bar at 112 Quimby Street. Hours: Monday through Wednesday 10 am to 9 pm; Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday 12 to 9 pm.