Frequently Asked Questions
PREGEL PRODUCTS & GENERAL PREPARATION QUESTIONS
| What are the basic ingredients in gelato? Gelato is made up of a liquid and solid raw ingredient, stabilizers, emulsifiers, flavour ingredients, air and other ingredients. | |
| For example: | |
| Liquid Raw Ingredients: | Water, Milk, etc. |
| Solid Raw Ingredients: | Sugars, fats, MSNFs |
| Stabilizers: | Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, etc |
| Emulsifiers: | Mono- and di-glycerides |
| Flavour Ingredients: | Pastes, powders |
| Air: | |
| Other Ingredients: | Mineral salts, cocoa products, dry fruits, toppings and fillers |
What is a Base?
PreGel's Bases are well-balanced essential ingredients in powder form that promote the highest quality flavour, texture and easy production of gelato. The Base is pivotal for creating a velvety structure and texture that allows for the desirable creaminess and softness that PreGel prides itself on.
What is a Stabilizer?
There are two types of stabilizers used in gelato. One comes from animal sources and the most commonly used is gelatin. The other stabilizer is a vegetable source such as Carrageenan, Guar Gum and Locust Bean Gum. Stabilizers are used in gelato for a variety of reasons as they increase viscosity, improve the smoothness of the product body and prevent ice crystal formation and melting.
What is Arabeschi?
Arabeschi is a topping and filler for gelato. As a topping it is used to enhance the decoration of the gelato in tubs and trays, as well as Semifreddos. And, as a filler it helps to add texture and additional flavour to the gelato. Some of our top Arabeschi include Donatella Rock, Coffee Crunch and various Candied Fruits.
What are the basic ingredients to make gelato?
In the most basic explanation, gelato is made by mixing milk or water, sugar and other natural ingredients (such as emulsifiers and stabilizers) which make up the Base, then our distinct Cream or Fruit flavours are added.
What are the basic ingredients to make frozen yogurt?
The basic ingredients in our frozen yogurt are the PreGel water base Fruttosa, milk (fat-free), sugar, PreGel flavouring Yoggi 30 and Velluntina, a texture improver.
What is the difference between hot and cold process?
The easiest answer to this is that hot process requires pasteurization, whereas cold process does not. To find out more about these different processes, attend one of our training classes.
How much flavour paste do I need to use?
The amount of flavour paste for a standard batch size of 5 litres can be found in our Recipe Book. The Recipe Book can be found on the Website, or emailed as a PDF to you by either your sales manager or Special Services Team member. For special batches please contact our Special Service Team who can assist you further.
How long can I keep my gelato in the display case for?
This answer will vary slightly depending on various factors during preparation, but generally 3-5 days. This holds true if you are storing your gelato in freezer overnight. You may also achieve a longer shelf life by preparing your Gelato with the hot process. The preferred way to serve Gelato is when it is at its freshest so we always encourage our customers to follow that as best they can.
What is the stocking temperature?
The stocking temperature in a freezer should be around -17.8˚ Celcius.
What temperature does gelato have to be once it comes out of the batch freezer?
Between -7.8˚ to -5˚ Celcius - at this point just 50-60 percent of water is frozen.
How do you present gelato?
Usually in 5 litre pans. It comes out of the batch freezer in a very natural way, without pressing or pushing it too much. The result should be a very harmonious form with many waves and curls.
How do you serve gelato?
While ice cream generally uses scoopers Gelato is served with spatulas, which allow for it to take on more of an artisan quality.
Do you decorate gelato?
Absolutely. gelato is considered an artisan dessert which means the decoration is a large part of the whole ambiance of the gelato experience. PreGel's Arabeschi and Toppings are both used to decorate the finished product.
How long will my PreGel products last?
PreGel products have a shelf life of three years once produced - whether it's been opened or not has no bearing on the shelf life. Although remember to keep products well sealed and do not keep in extreme temperatures. These can both shorten the life span. The expiration date is indicated on your packaging and is European form, which is day/month/year. If you have questions on the product life, contact our Special Service Team.
What should I do if Paste, Arabeschi or Toppings begins to separate (oil from paste)?
Mix it like a soup. Mix occasionally to prevent separation. Shake Toppings well.
What is the nutritional content for my product?
PreGel can only provide nutritional information for the unfinished products it produces. If you want to assess the nutritional content for the finished product you provide, we recommend that you partner with a local testing lab that can accurately provide nutritional information on your product.
PREGEL PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING CENTER QUESTIONS
Why are the PreGel Training Classes offered at no cost?
At PreGel CANADA, we believe that education is the glue that ties our customers' passion and our ingredients together. PreGel is dedicated to making sure that all canadians not only get to experience Gelato, but receive the finest quality Gelato. Therefore, we at PreGel's believe it's critical to educate all of our customers with our innovative processes, precise recipes and artisan expertise to help them to provide unparalleled finished product. This dedication to our products and customers reflects in our ability to offer free classes.
What kind of information can you supply to help me start a successful Gelato business?
Incorporated into the training curriculum, PreGel offers several tools designed to help you launch a successful Gelato business. Our training can provide direction when devising your pricing configuration, structuring your initial investment, establishing general employee guidelines and so much more. Call our Special Services Team to learn more at 905.265.9099.
Is gelato a takeout business?
PreGel generally promotes gelato as an experience and social activity to enjoy with family and friends outside of the home. However, we do sell carryout containers so that you can allow your customers to take it home to share with the family.
DISTRIBUTION & BILLING QUESTIONS
Where is my shipment?
The easiest way to track your shipment is to locate the tracking number found on your invoice that we both emailed and mailed to you. Then, go to the Website of the shipper. Once you're on the site, there should be a section where you can enter you tracking number and the Website should give you the progress of your shipment. If you are unable to access the Web or are having problems, please call us directly at 905.265.9099 and make sure you have your tracking number accessible.
How do I make my first order?
Our sales representatives are divided by regions, so click here to determine which of our Sales Managers represents your region. Then contact them either via phone or email and they will be excited to help walk you through your first order.
OTHER QUESTIONS
What are PreGel's most popular flavours?
PreGel judges it's most popular flavours through sales, however that does not mean that these are the most popular in your area. The Top 10 flavours of 2007 were: Yoggi 30®, Red Orange Super Sprint, Strawberry Fortefrutto®, Pistacchio Sicilia, Cacaopat (Chocolate), Gran Stracciatella Reale, Raspberry Fortefrutto®, Hazelnut Piemonte, Mango Fortefrutto® and Coconut. Visit WhyGelato.com to find out which flavours are the hot flavours according to the Canadian public and PreGel Sales!
