The best granita in the world

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Sicilian granita, the best in the world

The ritual of Sicilian granita, with its slow pace, quality ingredients and variety of flavours, reflects the culture and history of Sicily.

Sicily is the home of granita. This ancient tradition in sweet delicacies has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the “nivaroli” would gather snow in winter onMount Etna, the Peloritani, Iblei or Nebrodi mountains and store it all year round in “neviere” (holes lined with stone or brick – you can see some perfectly preserved examples in Buccheri) and then carry it to the seashore in the warmer months.

The snow was grated and used, together with lemon juice or fruit syrups, in the preparation of tasty and refreshing sorbets and ice creams to be enjoyed in summer.

The rattata (“grattata”) evolved over time, and the snow, then used only as a coolant, was replaced by water and honey with sugar, making the mixture deliciously creamy.

This unmistakable mixture, refreshing, sweet and rich in flavour, is now known worldwide as Granita Siciliana.

Considered by the Sicilians as a moment of togetherness and social interaction, the granita is a ritual in every sense: not only in summer but all year round, at breakfast, lunch, in the afternoon, or even at dinner, the granita is served with a hot brioche, or as in the past, with a fragrant freshly baked bread roll.

To fully enjoy Sicilian granita (which is entirely different from Roman “grattachecca”, sorbet or “cremolata”), the ideal way is to spend at least 30 minutes relaxing, comfortably seated at the tables of an open-air bar, admiring the architectural beauty, reading a newspaper or simply chatting with friends

Here the most popular Sicilian Granita flavours:

Lemon. It is the most traditional of the flavours, refreshing and with the lowest calorie content.

Almond. This is the most popular flavour, and the addition of bitter almonds enhances the aroma.

Bronte Pistacchio. It is the variant with an intense green colour and a unique flavour.

Coffee. Accompanied by the almond flavour, it is ideal for breakfast.

Chocolate. Prepared with low-fat cocoa, this is the flavour most loved by children. Ideal to accompany the Almond or Pistachio granita.

Mulberry. Tasty and refreshing, it is a favourite of the most refined palates.

Strawberry. With its fresh and sweet taste, it is perfect to accompany the lemon flavour. To enjoy them together, you would order an angelica granita. In some cafes, you can also find the Wild Strawberry flavour.

Peach. Light and delicious, this is the ideal accompaniment to almond or mulberry flavours. Exquisite and refined, you can also sometimes find the Flat Peach flavour.

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