Primavera in the Madonie
This spring I have spent time at The Sicilian House in Polizzi Generosa, perched high in the Madonie Mountains.
Over the past weeks the nights have been cool, the days warm and the planted green fields on the lower slopes of the Madonie Mountains have been dotted with poppies and sulla.
Flocks of sheep and lambs have grazed and the sun has set late.
The fields blessed, wild asparagus and a delicious bitterness
A centuries old festival of the Holy Crucifix blessed the bounty of the fertile, local fields of Polizzi and was celebrated for days.
Fragrant ginestra (broom) wild sweet peas and yellow ferla were in bloom; wild asparagus grew tall and lanky in amongst wildflowers along the Quacella track in the Madonie just outside Polizzi.
And frittata enjoyed at Ristorante U Bagghiu made with wild asparagus and ricotta was full of a delicious bitterness and a subtle creaminess.
Geraniums, artichokes and biondo oranges
Flowers hung on street balconies; potted roses and geraniums bloomed on Polizzi’s long stone staircases; pads of the fico d’india (prickly pear) were crested with new growth of the iconic fruit which will be ready to eat in September;
The last of the biondo (blond) oranges from the small town of Scillato down the bottom of the mountains were full of juice and sweet. I enjoyed them at Ristorante Donna Lavia just outside of Polizzi where draping white wisteria hung. And the taste of the tender hearts of carciofi (artichokes) was earthy.
Seasonal sweet nesople (loquat or medlar) were served after eating lunch at the local restaurants; gelato was made and ready at Bar Cristallo and the May skies were the bluest.
A garden planted
And pots of colourful geraniums bought from the local florists of Polizzi and the next village over, Castellana have been planted on the small terrace garden at the top of the house to welcome the warmer months and staying guests.
I have some new stories to share about my Sicilian spring 2017 after time spent in the Baroque South East, Palermo, Polizzi and the glorious Madonie Mountains.
It has not been long enough in Sicily.
The first will be posted on June 9th.
Salve
Suzanne
Some Notes:
All photos have been taken in Polizzi and around the Madonie Mountains, including the local restaurants U Bagghiu on Via Gagliardo in Polizzi, Donna Lavia on the Scillato Road just outside the village and Bar Cristallo on Via Garibaldi.
The frittata photo was taken at U Bagghiu, the fruit at Donna Lavia and the gelato at Bar Cristallo.