Ficodindia di San Cono

Grown in the Sicilian provinces of Catania, Enna, and Caltanissetta, at altitudes of 200-600 meters, Ficodindia di San Cono refers to the fresh prickly pear of the following varieties: the yellow Surfarina or Nostrale, the red Sanguigna, and the white fleshed Muscaredda or Sciannarina.

This succulent, exotic fruit is extremely fragrant and delicate, with a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of lemons and watermelons. Even though they are most often enjoyed fresh, the prickly pears of San Cono are also used for making jams and preserves, various sauces and they can even be found roasted or boiled in a number of different Sicilian dishes.

For an interesting combination of flavors, Ficodindia di San Cono can be stuffed with onions and Provola cheese, breaded and deep fried. To try a number of other specialties, there's the gastronomic festival of Sagra del Ficodindia held every October in San Cono - an event not to be missed!