People everywhere love almonds and almond flavored products. Thousands of metric tons are harvested each year to satisfy the demand with the State of California in the USA the world’s leading producer. Italy , once a major source of almonds has seen its’ share of world production decline in recent years as farmers turn to other more profitable crops. However, there is a heirloom almond, the Pizzuta D’Avola grown in Southeastern Sicily which occupies a special place in the gourmet food community.

Unlike the California almond, which is known as a high yield soft shell nut, the Pizzuta D’Avola is known for its’ hard shell, lower yield and unique pointy and flat shape. Experts tell us that yield is inversely related to the hardness of the shell, the harder the shell the lower the yield.  For California almonds, the nut accounts for about 60% of the almond by weight while in Sicily the Pizzuta nut accounts for only about 20% of the almond by weight.

There is more to this story. Experts also tell us the harder the shell the more intense the flavor and the Pizzuta D’Avola is prized for its’ intense exotic flavor. Traditional Sicilian harvesting , whereby the harvested almonds are set out to dry in the sun for four days further reduces the yield but also intensifies the flavor.  So, as many have noted, the California almond yields are some multiple of the Sicilian but the Sicilian nuts are a far more interesting food product.  These are the almonds used to produce our line of almond products.

Please note : Our raw almonds , unlike the California almonds, ARE NOT PASTEURIZED.

 

 Shelled Almond – Sicily Origin “Pizzuta”

Almonds are a widely used ingredient in many traditional cuisines in the Mediterranean, in particular in the Sicilian cuisine. both in sweet and salty. They are collected by hand and with the rods (long flexible sticks from 3 to 5 meters) in the August-September period and are used both in the kitchen (pesto Trapanese) in pastry (confetti, cookies, pastries, gingerbread).

Like all oil seeds, almonds are high in calories, approximately 500-600 kcal / 100 g, and comprised 50% of lipids, they must be consumed sparingly if you fear being overweight and related diseases .

Shelled Almond -Avola Origin “Pizzuta”

The Almond of Avola is a source of health, beauty and wellness, natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, valuable supplement in diets rich in nutrients. The temperate climate of the Iblei Mountains makes Avola Almond elegant in appearance and flavor. And ‘ever-present in the quality confectionery, in superb Sicilian granita, in the refined almond milk, in nougat, marzipan, biscuits, and in the tradition of the finest confetti. A vitality chest.

Peeled Almond – Sicily Origin ” Pizzuta”

Under the name of almonds is recognized as a typical Sicilian product, entered in the list of traditional Italian food products

The sweet almond contieneCalorie 571, Protein 24.19 g., 50.61 g Fats., Carbohydrates 2.74 g., 80 g edible. Vitamin E is present in the ratio of 23.6 to 26 mg of 100 grams of edible product.
The most represented mineral in the almond is magnesium (100 grams of shelled almonds contain about 270 mg). Iron is about 3 mg, 220 mg calcium.

Peeled almonds lends itself to many uses within culinary, in the typical Sicilian pastry is a key ingredient.

Peeled Almond – Avola Origin “Pizzuta”

Almond Chopped

A unique product, to embellish each preparation.
Ideal to decorate cakes, desserts and baked goods.

Almond Flour

A unique product, to embellish each preparation.
Ideal to decorate cakes, desserts and baked goods.

Pasta Pura Almond

Ingredients: Roasted almonds and refined
Product Description: The almond paste is ideal to get ice cream with a delicate and harmonious taste. The quality of this precious ingredient is guaranteed by a careful selection of raw materials, the only fruit, the typical and unmistakable aroma.
Dose of ice cream for use: 80-100 g / l