Another Fantastic Marriage: Heirloom Apples and Creamy Gelato

Heirloom apples are a treasure – their taste just can’t be matched by today’s varieties. We’re a few weeks into California apple season and the heirlooms we have at the store now are absolutely delicious!

Vince Gizdich holds up one of his heirloom apples at Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville, CA

We get most of our heirloom apples from Vince Gizdich, owner of of Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville that’s famous for its apples, berries and homemade apple pie. To celebrate the arrival of this year’s crop, we’ve partnered with Vince and Massimo of Gelato Massimo to capture the unmatchable flavor heirlooms in a new, exclusive product: Heirloom Apple Pie gelato!

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Rows of apples ready to be picked at Gizdich Ranch, located in Watsonville, CA.

As you may have noticed (it’s ok – we all scroll right to the bottom to check the coupons first!) it’s one of the issue’s bonus offers!

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The Heirloom Apple Pie Gelato is made with authentic, Italian-style gelato from Gelato Massimo that is then mixed with Vince’s heirloom apples…well, it’s more than just his apples, actually. We’re using real homemade Gizdich Ranch apple filling in the gelato! If it weren’t for having the cold temperature and creamy texture, one could easily think this just apple pie ala mode! The taste of apple pie simply explodes in your mouth.

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Old-fashioned Pippin apples - this is the variety used in Gizdich Ranch apple pie (and the gelato!).

Indulge me for a moment, will you? You’ve probably had cookie dough ice cream before, yes? Well, this gelato is the same idea.

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This gelato is delicious alone, but if you want to add a little something, try drizzling vanilla bean balsamic on the top!

Imagine scooping up the perfect bite of gelato that includes a nice, big chunk of the star ingredient: homemade apple pie filling with a hint of cinnamon that’s topped with a scoop of creamy gelato. Taking a bite instantly makes you go yuumm! Has your imagination scooped up a second spoonful yet? If so, there is no need to feel guilty…gelato is naturally low fat!

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John Nava, Sigona’s specialty foods buyer, worked alongside Vince and Massimo at the Gelato Massimo factory in Watsonville over the last few weeks to prefect the recipe. After several batches and taste tests (can you imagine how horrible that must have been…tasting delicious gelato all day long! Just kidding…we’re simply envious!), the three discovered a perfect blend using Vince’s old fashioned Pippin apples.

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Massimo Caporale - gelato genius! Our partnership with Massimo has led to 3 exclusive flavors for Sigona's so far (Blenheim Apricot, Bleeding-Ripe Boysenberry and Heirloom Apple Pie). We can't wait for the next one!

Low fat, heirloom, homemade, exclusive, local…we could go on and on, but we’ll leave you with this: This gelato will knock your socks off!