Plum Ariddu di core, Ariddi ri core, Ariddicore
Product included in the national list of traditional agri-food products (PAT)
PAT type : Vegetable products in their natural or processed state
Technical data sheet of the traditional agri-food product (PAT)
Production area: The municipalities of Altofonte and Monreale, within the Palermo metropolitan area (identified by the Presidential Decree of the Sicily Region dated August 10, 1995). These territories historically belonged to the Norman King William II and subsequently to the Archdiocese of Monreale.
Brief product description: Small, spherical fruits with yellow skin and a deep yellow interior. Plums are about 3 cm in diameter and have a very sweet, juicy flavor. They lend themselves to various preservation techniques, allowing them to be consumed well beyond the ripening period, which occurs between late July and early August.
Description of processing and ripening methods: Plum trees are grown using standard fruit-growing techniques. Special attention is paid, however, to the harvesting process, which requires a high level of specialization. Harvesting is done manually, trying to keep the stem intact and removing as little bloom (a white powder on the fruit's surface) as possible.
The Ariddu variety of core lends itself to a peculiar preservation technique called wrapping developed at the end of the nineteenth century with which it is possible to have the possibility of consuming the plums as if they were fresh for several months after harvesting through the use of tissue paper. At a specific point of ripeness, the plums are harvested trying to keep the stalk intact. The fruits are brought to an internal space where previously some white strips of tissue paper have already been obtained. Six fruits are chosen and thanks to the use of twine they are wrapped in paper to form an artisanal product called a braid associated with the myth of the seasons.
Specific materials and equipment used for preparation and packaging: During the harvest, traditional wicker baskets called “panari” or “panarotti” and ladders are used, which are delicately placed on the strongest branches.
For wrapping mainly twine and tissue paper are used.
Description of the processing, storage and maturing rooms: The plum braids are usually hung inside dry and ventilated rooms.
Elements that prove that the methodologies have been practiced in a homogeneous manner and according to traditional rules for a period of no less than 25 years: The Ariddu di core plums are cited in various historical texts and in 1963 the “Contribution to the study of the plum cultivars of the Province of Palermo” was published in the “Rivista di floricoltura italiana” carried out by the Institute of Tree Cultivations of the University of Palermo in which the variety in question is analysed using a scientific method.
In the Monreale territory there are several specimens more than twenty-five years old.
The variety is mentioned in the "REPERTORY OF SICILIAN AUTOCTONE CULTIVARS / ACCESSIONS OF THE MAIN FRUIT TREE SPECIES" (Annex A DA 11 of 18/01/2011)
of the Department of Agricultural and Food Resources of the Sicilian Region in the section "SUSINO (Prunus Domestica L. and similar)" as SUS 16 - SUSINO - ARIDDU DI CORE.
The wrapping technique was developed in the XNUMXth century and passed down from generation to generation to the present day.
Source Pat Cards: Sicily Region
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Informational contributions : Web, Sicily Region
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