This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Throughout the month of August, Tribune writers are tasting our way through some of Utah's finest frozen confections including ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt and shave ice in an effort to beat the heat. Today's pick:

Italian Water Ice • Zeppe's offers finely shaved ice blended with 30-plus flavors of fruit puree, natural flavorings, sugar and water. They're nonfat, dairy-free and gluten-free. Some of the more fruity ices are mango, coconut creme, pineapple, sunset splash, peach, and black cherry. Some exotic ices are margarita, tropic surprise, a blend of passion fruit and strawberry banana, and mokaccino, a coffee and chocolate blend. Zeppe's also makes an old-fashioned frozen custard in vanilla and chocolate and gelata shakes (which aren't dairy free).

Zeppe's • 883 N. Washington Blvd., Harrisville. Fall hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 2 to 10 p.m., 801-786-0400

Cost • Water ice: $1.69 kids, $2.39 regular and $2.99 large. Gelata: $3.49 regular and $3.99 large. Custard: $2.29 small, $3.34 regular and $3.98 large.

Shop talk • The Italian water ices, made fresh daily, are the ultimate summer cool-down treat. The refined blend of texture and flavors don't separate the way snow cones do. They're so cold that even in scorching heat, they don't quickly melt back to water, but stay in ice form to guarantee you a tasty brain freeze that's too yummy to pass up. On a recent visit, gelatas were popular among the customers lined up at the window. The gelatas are made with a layer of Italian water ice sandwiched in between a top and bottom layer of frozen custard — it can be chocolate or vanilla or a twist of both. New Zeppe's owner Win Scott says some people try to get as many water ice flavors layered as they can. Zeppe's is open from April 1 to Oct. 31.

Keira Dirmyer

Look for daily picks in The Mix section every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. On other days of the week, you'll find our suggestions at sltrib.com/Lifestyle.