The Grattachecca of Rome

Have you heard of Grattachecca? Pronounced grah-tah-keh-kah, it is a delicious cold dessert made by shaving pieces of ice and mixing them with a variety of syrups, juices and fresh fruits. A predecessor of the now ubiquitous gelato and completely different from granita, which is ice flavoured and then frozen and crushed, grattachecca is a big summer tradition in Rome – perfect to combat the heat of sultry Roman days and nights. It is sold at kiosks around the city where popular flavours are mint, watermelon and lemon, but some will even mix a personally chosen selection of tastes especially for you. Unbelievably refreshing. Go on – try! After all – when in Rome………