Buontalenti

Buontalenti is a gelato flavor named after a 16th century Florence architect Bernardo Buontalenti, who is often credited as an inventor of gelato. This flavor is made with a combination of milk, sugar, cream, and eggs, as well as some additional secret ingredients.

It was modeled on Buontalenti’s version that he allegedly created for the inauguration of Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici in 1559. His version also included dessert wine, and it was flavored with bergamot, lemons, and oranges. It is said that Buontalenti was also the first to think of an efficient way of storing ice cream.

In 1979, there was an initiative to honor Buontalenti by recreating his version of gelato. The competition was won by Gelateria Badiani. They eventually included the flavor on their menu and went to trademark the name. The flavor is still available at their gelateria.