I'm handsome, all green and covered in a formidable armor, who am I? No dear friends, this is not a riddle about a new Marvel hero; although the star of this article can certainly be called "Super" in its own right. We are clearly talking about Bronte's famous Pistachio!
An authentic Sicilian gastronomic excellence, this delicious fruit fully represents Verdetna's passion for traditional and genuine flavours, that's why we decided to pay homage to it by incorporating its unmistakable shape into our logo.
-From the mysterious east
The pistachio plant (term derived from the Greek word "pistàkion") is originally from the Mediterranean basin, in the territory of ancient Persia. Its use is documented as early as the 3rd century B.C. among Assyrians, Babylonians and Greeks who cultivated it for its healing and aphrodisiac properties. According to some historiographical sources it was Lucius Vitellius, the Roman governor of Syria, who introduced pistachio in Italy and Spain around 20-30 A.D.
Its cultivation, however, did not achieve the hoped-for success: given the unfamiliarity of farmers with the new product, this became wild in a short time and the trees went from fruit production to firewood. It was only with the Arab domination in Sicily in 900 A.D. that the cultivation of pistachios as food became a reality. Thanks to their centuries-old knowledge of the plant, the Muslim occupiers managed to graft it on the wild shrubs of terebinth (known as "scornabecco" in the local dialect) so that it could exploit its strong roots and grow undisturbed on the impervious lava soil of mount Etna.
To these people we also owe the dialectal terms "frastuca", to indicate the fruit of pistachio, and "frastucara" to indicate its tree, deriving respectively from the Arabic "fristach" and "frastuch". Even today, walking through the countryside of Bronte or enjoying a journey on the characteristic railway line that crosses the Villages all around Etna, the view is breathtaking: a myriad of pistachios stands out as far as the eye can see, scattered in all directions on the expanses of "sciara" (accumulations of volcanic rock), showing the tenacity of these plants that are capable of surviving even in the most hostile environments. From the ancient union between pistachio and lava soil was born a unique variety of fruits whose organoleptic properties are still unmatched, so much so that it is universally known as the Green Gold of Sicily.
-A "volcanic" taste
But what makes Bronte's pistachio so special compared to the rest of the world's production? The reason is the fortunate combination of geomorphological and environmental elements. Sicily is by definition a land blessed by the favor of the elements, whose climate favors the cultivation of a large number of botanical species. To this must be added, as mentioned above, the particular composition of the Etna soil: ash and volcanic rocks contain very high levels of minerals including phosphates, nitrates, potassium and calcium, capable of ensuring a lush growth of plants. Bronte's pistachio has a slightly concave shell and the fruit on the inside is protected by a thin violet membrane. The shape is more elongated than in other varieties, with a bright emerald green color given the high concentration of chlorophyll. It has a soft and aromatic taste, tending to sweet, delicate and intense at the same time. As an ingredient in any dish it does not cover the other flavors but enhances them: like the background music in a movie scene, its quality harmonizes every bite transporting us on suave notes capable of composing a symphony of pure culinary ecstasy.
-A healthy taste
And that's not everything my dears. Bronte's pistachio is not only tasty, but also good for your health! The fruit is rich in polyphenols, that are molecules with strong antioxidant properties capable of defending against the harmful free radicals in the body. The benefits of these substances are innumerable: they promote eye health and prevent cardiovascular disorders, fight inflammation and help prevent fungi and bacteria. Some researches show that a consistent and prolonged intake over time of polyphenols contained in pistachio serves as a support in the defense against serious lung diseases. They have a high content of mineral salts (including phosphorus, calcium, potassium and iron) necessary for the fundamental functions of our organism. They are also rich in vitamin E, which protects cell membranes, and vitamins B1 and B6, which support enzymes involved in metabolism. In short, these little gems of nature are a source of well-being for both our palate and our organism.
-Fifty shades of pistachio
Delicious both on its own and as an ingredient, either with sweet or savory preparations, pistachio has that kind of flavor that you never get tired of! Verdetna offers to you, our readers, an extraordinary selection of pastries, sauces and confectionery all made with authentic Bronte's pistachio. Enjoy our delicious sweets, perfect for a coffee or a tea with friends. Treat yourselves to a moment of ecstasy of the senses by tasting our spreads, so addictive that you can never have enough. Or try preparing yourselves meals worth of a great chef's fame with our pestos, flours and toppings. Spoil yourselves with gusto and you will surprise everyone!
-Pistachio, love and imagination
How can we be so sure? I am going to reveal a little secret to you friends. We are so convinced of the quality of our products because we are also our first consumers. I know what you're thinking: trying all these delicacies must be a really hard job to do. But don't be afraid! Our staff is highly motivated and trained for this kind of needs. As always we want to share with you our passion and the authentic love we have for the traditions of the past. Traditions that you help to keep alive and, at the same time, renew by choosing our products. After all, anyone can create something unique and appetizing.
All it takes is a little bit of pistachio... ..
And a little bit of fantasy.