'Sicilian civilisation is unique and has preserved its particular features over the years. Its various aspect find full expression in the local cuisine, where the preparation of food becomes a launching pad for the imagination and the innate elegance that is such an essential part of the islanders' extremely rich historical and cultural heritage.

Conviviality is perhaps more widespread here than anywhere else in the world. It is no coincidence that pasta was born in Sicily along with sweet and sour sauces, cassata, stuffed meats and a wide variety of stewed vegetables. Not to mention the wide range of delicacies imported from the Middle East and Spain, with their hints of myth, legend, religion, aristocratic beauty and poetry.

The bright colours of the dishes are of course due to the beauty of the natural surroundings - the volcanoes, the sun, the sea, the generous fertile soil, the sloping hills, the vast plains on which a wide range of crops are grown.

The island is famous in the rest of Italy and all over the world for its delicious ice creams, made with the luscious fruits available throughout the year.

Besides ice creams there is also pasta reale, or marzipan, raisins, pistachio nuts, almonds, pine nuts and dried fruits, to decorate the most beautifully laid tables. Even the frugal meals of the peasants features a whole series of spicy, attractive dishes.

The ingredients are always wholesome - semola flour, wild vegetables, freshly picked herbs, eggs and cheese and, of course, olive oil -used to make pies, scacciate, 'mbriulate , 'mpanate and all kind of fritters. Sicily also produces almond wines, digestive liqueurs, essences, lemon and mandarin liqueurs, and rosolio scented with laurel leaves or even the delicate flavour of orange blossom.

All the islanders have their own way of making the various local dishes, using ancient recipes handed down by their grandmothers, mothers or aunts. The result is a rich variety - perhaps also thanks to the influence of the various invaders - that has no equal in Italy or elsewhere.

See also Val di Noto wine route,