Exotic fruit in Sicily: 6 plants growing in our countryside

A green oasis in the Madonie

Near Hotel Kalura, in the Madonie Park, is our countryside estate. For a few years now it has also been our open-air lab: we have planted hundreds of exotic trees to find out which ones like the Sicilian climate. Many have surprised us – and today their fruit also ends up on the tables of our restaurant Almaris.

Here are six fruits we have featured on our YouTube channel.

1. Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora)

Small, red and ribbed like a tiny pumpkin. It comes from South America and tastes sweet-sour and slightly resinous. It’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Pick it when it’s dark red, almost black: before that it’s too sour. Watch the video

2. Kumquat, the mini orange

It looks like an orange the size of an olive. The special thing: you eat it whole, peel and all. The peel is sweet, the flesh sour – together they’re an explosion of flavour. Also perfect for marmalade and candied fruit. Watch the video

3. Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)

Loquats – “nespole” – are at home in Sicily, yet the tree comes from China. It flowers in autumn and winter and fruits in spring: orange, juicy, sweet and slightly tart. Best eaten fresh, straight from the tree. Watch the video

4. Gin berry (Glycosmis)

Small, pinkish, almost translucent berries with an aroma that really does remind you of gin. One of the most curious plants in our garden: little known, but worth tasting at least once. Watch the video

5. Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis)

A vigorous climber with spectacular flowers. The fruit is ripe when the skin wrinkles and it drops by itself. Inside: seeds wrapped in a wonderfully fragrant, sweet and sour pulp. Watch the video

6. Finger lime, lemon caviar

A finger-shaped Australian citrus full of tiny pearls that pop in your mouth. It’s one of the most prized citrus fruits in the world: we dedicated a whole article to it, finger lime: what it is and how to use it. Watch the video

Can you grow them in Sicily?

Many subtropical plants love the mild climate of the Sicilian coast. Our experience in brief:

• Shelter from wind and frost in the first years.
• Regular water in summer, but well-drained soil.
• Patience: some plants only fruit after a few years.

Not everything went smoothly: in some years heat, drought and even wildfires put the garden to the test. But every plant that makes it is a small victory.

Frequently asked questions