Le Vie della Zagara: Balanced and Scenic Ribera

DSC_5837

The world’s only orange with PDO certification (protected designation of origin, DOP in Italian) grows in Ribera, Sicily. Belonging to the family of yellow navel oranges, it’s not all that different in appearance to any run of the mill orange you’re apt to come across at any supermarket anywhere in the world. But bite into a Ribera or drink some of its juice and what sets it apart becomes clear. It’s a juicy fruit with a balanced ratio of sugars and acids – not too sweet or tart – with a firm and smooth flesh and no seeds.

DSC_5856

Distinctively delicious oranges or not, Ribera is a special place. Situated just a few miles from the sea and set snug within the rippled landscape of Sicily’s southeastern coast, the area benefits from a suntrap microclimate. Above this compact and pretty hilltop city and its vast spread of groves sits the ruins of Poggio di Diana, a 12th century Norman castle. The path leading up to the castle is scattered with wild orange and almond trees with the air wafting through as agreeably aromatic as the views from its base are sweeping and dramatic.

DSC_5875

Please keep an eye out for more juicy tales in my Le Vie della Zagara series of posts.

About tikichris

Chris Osburn is the founder, administrator and editor of tikichris. In addition to blogging, he works as a freelance journalist, photographer, consultant and curator.
This entry was posted in Drink, Food, Italy, Le Vie della Zagara, Shopping, Sicily, Travel and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Le Vie della Zagara: Balanced and Scenic Ribera

  1. Pingback: Le Vie della Zagara: Palazzo Adriano

  2. Pingback: Le Vie della Zagara: Zestful and Juicy Sicily

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.