A Tasty Trip To Sicily

Travel and food are a match made in heaven and it is well known that the Mediterranean offers some of the most famous culinary delights in the world. Italy, in particular, is a favourite destination among foodies, and for those who choose to visit the beautiful island of Sicily on their travels, the Italian gastronomic delights become even more intriguing and delicious.

Excellent holiday companies offer villas in Sicily to rent, making the perfect base from which to embark on a culinary tour of the island. Choosing to stay in one of the villas in Sicily means that you have the freedom to eat where you like, explore the local markets, indulge in culinary traditions and really get a feel for the importance food and feasting has in the intricate society of the island. Just as mainland Italy clings steadfastly to its strong culinary roots, the island’s menus change with the seasons and dishes are simple yet packed with flavour. Every region showcases its own speciality and the simple practice of eating with family and friends is an everyday occurrence here.

Staying in villas in Sicily that offer outside space gives you the opportunity to visit the town markets and bring back lots of the delicacies to enjoy in the comfort of your own Mediterranean haven.

The Delicious Culinary Delights

The island has a rich and fertile growing land and the warm dry climate produces a wonderful array of fruits and vegetables. Durum wheat is the staple here and the bread and pasta are both derived from the crop. The shattering of the grain during milling makes for fine 'semola' flour that adds a comforting golden glow to the breads produced here. Bread is served with every meal and should be enjoyed alongside the wonderful Sicilian caponata, a true local dish. Made with aubergine, capers, vinegar and tomatoes, this recipe varies from region to region, but it is delightfully sweet and sour and makes a delicious starter. Because, traditionally, pasta was the food of the affluent, bread played the most important role in the peasant dishes and is used as often in stuffings, soups or as toasted breadcrumbs today.

Citrus fruits play a huge role in the local island economy and are widely used in traditional recipes. Originally introduced by the Greeks, they are now grown in the Piana de Catania region of the island. Oranges, brought to the island by the Arabs are also used, and the blood orange, in particular, makes the most exquisite fresh orange juice, intense in flavour and colour.

Olive oil and cheese are also important components of the local cuisine with the cheese offering distinctive flavours that are derived from the milk of the cows that feed on the many wonderful herbs of the island. A perfect accompaniment to the wines of the island, the cheese (ricotta in particular) is also used in a variety of dishes. The island is well known for its seafood and rice, couscous and delicious sweet pastries - so if you love food and want to explore more of the culture and gastronomy, stay in one of the villas in Sicily and discover the island in your own time.

Looking for your perfect home away from home in Italy? Mark Slaviero is a Director of Holiday Homes in Italy, a company specialising in finding the holiday home, villa or apartment of your dreams. For the ideal villas in Sicily and accommodation in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Lakes, ski resorts and more, we offer the best in every region.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.