Is it artisan gelato?
ar-ti-gia-NA-le — five syllables, stress on fourth.
Before ordering to confirm whether the gelato is made in-house ('artigianale') or industrial ('industriale').
'Artigianale' = artisan, made by hand on-site. 'Industriale' = industrial, made in a factory. Signs of artisan gelato: natural colours, covered with metal lids (not piled high), stored at lower temperature. Industrial gelato is often piled high and brightly coloured.
È fatto in casa?
Is it made in-house?
'Fatto in casa' (made in-house) is the clearest indicator of artisan production
Usate basi artigianali?
Do you use artisan bases?
Some gelaterias buy pre-made bases — still better than industrial but less pure
Avete il marchio artigianale?
Do you have the artisan certification?
Some Italian cities have artisan gelato certification schemes
The most reliable sign of artisan gelato is covered trays ('vaschette coperte'). Industrial gelato is piled high in colourful peaks to attract attention — this is actually a warning sign. Artisan gelato, kept covered at the correct temperature (-11°C), loses shape when scooped but has vastly superior flavour.