If you are planning a trip to Sicily, be sure to take the time to explore the traditional cuisine of the island. It is through the kitchen that you can trace the history of various parts of Sicily, because local dishes vary in taste in almost every town. For example, one of the most famous delicacies of Sicily was brought to the island by the Arabs who once ruled here. This is a recipe for sherbet, a frozen drink with fruit juice.
In Catania and other Sicilian cities, snow was gathered from the Etna volcano, the Peloritani, Iblei, and Nebrodi mountains. This snow was stored in designated stone structures known as nivieri, situated in either natural caves or man-made ones. These historical buildings can still be seen across the island. During the summer, the ice collected in these nivieri was crushed and then served with fruit syrup or flowers.
In the 16th century, the process of preparing sherbet saw notable transformations. Sicilians introduced a technique of incorporating snow combined with sea salt. Instead of being an ingredient in the sweet treat, snow served as a cooling element. A wooden vat with a zinc bucket at its center was utilized as the new vessel. The interior space was filled with salty snow, while the frozen contents in the bucket were continuously stirred to avoid the development of large ice crystals.
The composition of granites can be represented as a union of 3 components: water, sugar and flavorings. The latter are exclusively natural ingredients. Each type of dessert has its own unique taste.
The finest and most traditional granite can be found in Messina and its province. The most favored flavor is undoubtedly the zesty Sicilian lemon. Granite resembles ice cream but is less sweet, typically enjoyed with a brioche bun. These delightful pastries are exclusive to Sicily, as they are not available in other parts of Italy. If you were to request a brioche in Milan, you would receive a plain croissant known as a cornetto. The customary way to savor a warm, freshly baked brioche is by tearing off its plump round cap and dipping it into the flavorful granite. Apart from lemon, there are various other flavors such as chocolate, strawberries, pistachios, figs, and more.
For a taste of one of the finest granitas, make sure to visit the quaint coastal village of Brighamarna and head to De Luca bar. The granita here is prepared following a traditional recipe, offering a natural and not overly sweet flavor that is evident upon the first taste. The sweetness is crafted using fresh fruits, so if you try the strawberry granita, it will taste like a freshly picked berry from the garden. Buon appetito!
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