We have come across many food items which we assume to be the same, but let us understand the small differences which exist between them and give them a distinct identity.

Ice-cream and Gelato:

The main ingredient of ice cream is cream which is mixed with milk, sugar and egg yolks to form rich custard. Then air is introduced into the mixture by churning it quickly so that it becomes soft and fluffy. Gelato also has the same ingredients, but contains more milk and less cream. It is much more dense than ice cream as it is churned slowly with less air giving it a silky texture and it is served at a warmer temperature. Due to less cream content, this Italian dessert has a stronger flavour than ice cream.

Banana and Plantains:

Plantains belong to the banana family, but have very thick skin and can be used when they are green. It has high starch content and is mainly used as a vegetable. On the other hand, bananas have less starch, but they have high sugar content and are eaten as a fruit.

Oranges and Kinnow:

Oranges and Kinnows look extremely similar. Nagpur is famous for oranges while kinnows are grown in Punjab. Kinnows have a smoother, darker skin and the flesh inside sticks to its skin, while oranges can be peeled easily. Kinnows are sweeter than oranges and are preferably used to make juice. These juicy, tangy citrus fruits have the same Vitamin C content.

Yam and Sweet potatoes:

Yams have tough, scaly skins and their flesh has a reddish hue. It is starchier and takes longer to cook than the sweet potato which is pale in colour and is a close cousin of the potato. Both these vegetables are a staple of eastern and southern parts of India.

Pasta and Noodles:

Pasta is made by kneading durrum wheat flour with water to make a stiff dough. It comes in variety of shapes and is firmer than noodles. It is often served dressed in sauce. Noodles are much softer as it is made from dough of eggs, flour and salt. They are usually served in soup or mixed with vegetables and sauces.

Club Soda and Flavoured Spring Water:

Club Soda is plain water in which carbon dioxide is added. This aerated drink may contain table salt or sodium bicarbonate to give it a salty flavour. Flavoured spring water is sparkling spring water to which fruit flavour is added.

Cornflour and Cornmeal:

Cornflour is fine white powder which is derived by stripping corn kernel of everything except starch. It is mainly used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups. Cornmeal is the yellow flour that is obtained by grinding dried corn kernels. It is what we know as ‘makkai ka atta’ and is used for making ‘rotis.’

These are the little differences of some common food which we know. So next time when you relish a delicious gelato, you can explain to your friends why it is different from an ice cream.