Food

To talk of food in Sicily is like talking about the weather to northern Europeans, it is of overriding importance to people’s lives. Food is a logical extension of the natural environment of Sicily and each community is fiercely proud of their local specialities.

The food is amazing; it is simply of total importance to have the very best, from the daily bread bought just before pranzo (lunch) to a more elaborate menu later in the day. Biological (organic) food is almost the norm here as people take the opinion you do not tamper with nature or anything that could negatively influence the flavour.

There is innate pride from the humble baker to the top chefs and all share a passion for being the best in their field. No food related business will survive in Sicily unless it is excellent.

Menus are prepared on the basis of what is seasonally available that day and only the very best quality produce gets chosen.
It transcends the objective of profit.

Sicilian culture and diversity stems from its rich history. All invaders brought new food and cooking methods:

• Bread from the Greeks
  
• Focaccia from the Romans
  
• Olives and Citrus from the Arabs
  
• Salt cod from the Swabians.
  
• Pastries from the Aragonese.
  
• Sauces and cheeses from the French.
  
• Tomatoes and chocolates from the Spanish via the new world.
  

Sicily passed on all these things to the rest of Italy! All of these have been expanded upon and allow a never ending variety of gastronomic delights.

But the best of Sicily is the simple: bread hot from the oven, the oranges picked that morning , olive oil on bread…buon appetito!

Some specifically Sicilian foods

Arrancini (Rice balls)
Spaghetti alla Norma (pasta with aubergine)
Pasta con le sarde (Spaghetti with sardines)
Couscous (with vegetables or lamb)

Wine
Cervasuolo di Vittoria
Nero d’Avola
Marsala
Zibbibo

Other Drinks
Granita

Frutta & Verduta (Fruit & Vegetables)
Melazane (Aubergine)
Capperi (Capers)
Arancia rosso (Red oranges)
Limone (Lemons)
Fichi d’India (Prickly pear)
Fragolina (Wild baby strawberries)
Pistacchio (Pistachio)

Frutta di Mare (Seafood)
Spada (Swordfish)
Tonno (Tuna)

Dolce (sweets)
Cannoli (Stuffed tubes)
Cassata (Ice cream cake)
Pasta reale (Almond paste shaped convincingly like fruit, vegetables or fish)
Modica ‘Real’ Chocolate (Aztec original recipe)
Gelato (Ice cream)
Zuppa Inglise (English Soup) – Trifle!