Italian_water_ice
Italian ice
Frozen dessert
Italian ice is a semi-frozen sweetened treat composed of finely granulated ice and fruit concentrates, juices, or purées, or other natural or artificial food flavorings.[1][2] Italian ice is similar to sorbet and snow cones, but differs from American-style sherbet in that it does not contain dairy or egg ingredients.[1] The ingredients in Italian ice are mixed, then whipped during the freezing process similar to the process for making ice cream. As a group, Italian ice comes in a variety of consistencies from crunchy, to smooth, to slushy.[3] In Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley (or the Philadelphia metropolitan area), including South Jersey and northern Delaware, Italian ice is known as water ice.
Italian ice was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants and is derived from the Sicilian granita, a similar and related Italian dessert.[4] Traditionally lemon flavored, popular modern choices include cherry, strawberry, and other fruits and confections.[5]