Plum Ariddu di core, Ariddi ri core, Ariddicore
Product included in the national list of traditional agri-food products (PAT)
Typology PAT : Vegetable products in their natural state or processed
Technical data sheet of the traditional agri-food product (PAT)
Area of production: Municipal Territories of Altofonte and Monreale enclosed in the metropolitan area of Palermo (identified with the Presidential Decree of the Sicily Region 10/8/1995). These territories historically belonged to the Norman king William II and subsequently to the archdiocese of Monreale.
Brief description of the product: Small spheroidal fruits with yellow skin and an intense yellow interior. The plums are about 3 cm in diameter and have a very sugary and juicy flavor. They lend themselves to various conservation techniques that allow them to be consumed well beyond the ripening period which takes place between the end of July and the beginning of August.
Description of the processing and maturing methods: The cultivation of plum trees takes place with the normal agricultural techniques used in fruit growing. However, particular attention is paid to the harvesting phases, which require a high level of specialization. Harvesting is done manually, trying to keep the petiole intact and to remove as little bloom (white powder on the surface of the fruit) 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 conditioning: During the harvest, traditional wicker baskets called “panari” or “panarotti” are used and ladders that are delicately placed on the strongest branches.
For wrapping mainly twine and tissue paper are used.
Description of the processing, storage and maturing rooms: Plum braids are usually hung inside dry and ventilated rooms.
Elements proving that the methodologies have been practiced in a homogeneous way and according to traditional rules for a period of not less than 25 years: The Ariddu di core plums are mentioned in various historical texts and in 1963 the "Contribution to the study of plum cultivars of the Province of Palermo" carried out by the Institute of Arboreal Cultivations of the University of Palermo was published in the "Italian Floriculture Magazine" in which the variety in question is analyzed with 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
Information contributions: Web, Region of Sicily
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