Red oranges of Sicily: more than fruit, a delicacy
2 minutes
Maupassant wrote that “Sicily is the land of oranges, of flowering soil whose air, in spring, is all perfume”. Prove him right while strolling through the mythical land that everyone wanted to conquer for its beauty and wealth. One of the treasures to be discovered are Sicilian blood oranges.
They are cultivated exclusively on the Catania Plain and in parts of Enna and Siracusa and were awarded the PGI mark by the European Union.
An inimitable taste combined with very special nutritional properties: these fruits are full of goodness!
Between Etna's snow and the heat of the plain
This is all thanks to the dry climate with strong temperature fluctuations and the soil blessed by the presence of Mount Etna, an active volcano that has made these areas fertile: ideal conditions for growing the juicy fruit with characteristic red flesh.
They are citrus fruits born of contrasts, particularly that between the snow of Etna and the warm sun of the plains. This is what creates the typical red pigmentation of these oranges rich in anthocyanin, with powerful antioxidant qualities. Not to mention how it is bursting with vitamin C!
The Moor and Tarocco
There are many varieties to be discovered, starting with the slightly oval-shaped Moorish orange. Try it in wedges and squeezed. It is the first to ripen, available from December to February.
Also perfect for juicing is the blood orange with seedless red pulp. Available until March, it is adored by sports lovers.
The real queen, however, is the Tarocco orange. It is spherical in shape, easy to peel and has no seeds. The flesh at the beginning of the season is still light-coloured, but as the snow disappears and the sun beats down, it becomes redder and redder. It can be found until April and even beyond.
Elixir of long life
Today, we mainly enjoy them at the table or use them for cosmetic purposes, but long ago, they were even believed to have magical properties, against the bites of poisonous snakes or even as an elixir of life.
Perhaps life will not be longer, but happier for sure: biting into a slice of Sicilian blood orange is like tasting the sun.
If you happen to be in the area in the last week of February, drop by Palagonia. The most sought-after oranges in the area are grown in this town in the province of Catania, and at the end of February, the Sagra dell'Arancia Rossa di Sicilia is held here.
Strolling through the streets of the centre, you can taste all the varieties and sample many, mouth-watering citrus specialities.
