The oranges with the navel are those from Ribera DOP!

In 1820, in Brazil, a monastery produced this particular juicy and sweet orange, characterized by a small circle at one end, an "ombelico" (navel), which is called Navel in English. The orange originated from a single mutation and has a small orange inside at the navel end. Navel oranges come in various types: those from Vito Perricone of Cascio Carmela are the famous Washington Navel, very sweet, well-sized, seedless, ideal for eating or making fragrant juices.

Organic oranges online All the production from Cascio Carmela in Villafranca Sicula is strictly organic, and the care taken by Mr. Vito Perricone in the fields makes it one of the most significant in terms of quality. Only oranges of size 3-4: among the best calibers! A pristine environment where the plants are allowed to produce without excessive intervention. No treatments or use of traps for sexual confusion or hormones that attract pests. The orange groves are rich in butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, indicating a healthy environment. On some plants, bees have built their hives, where orange blossom honey can be seen.

Hand-picked organic oranges Harvesting is done by hand: at Vito Perricone’s farm, gloves and a strict cleaning protocol are used for all harvest workers. Before entering the field, body cleanliness is essential. No smoking in the fields. In short, the oranges are and must be kept pure until they arrive on our tables. Furthermore, they are not waxed or treated, so the peels are excellent for use in pastry, cooking, or candying to pair with dark chocolate.

Oranges and more In addition to oranges, the Cascio Carmela farm also has beautiful lemon, grapefruit, and citron trees. A citrus grove rich in fragrant mandarins. A plot on the hill overlooking the beautiful village of Caltabellotta, perched on the mountain. A magical place with a particularly breezy climate. During the flowering and ripening of the citrus fruits, the scent is intoxicating and balsamic. Close to the grove, about thirty bee houses produce honey with intense aromas and flavors.

Villafranca Sicula Villafranca Sicula is located on a hill about 350 meters above sea level. It is the birthplace of the charismatic Cardinal Pappalardo of Palermo. But it is the town of oranges and falls within the DOP Ribera. It is in the province of Agrigento, where the green patches of orange and citrus groves look like paradisiacal oases emerging from the typical Sicilian clay.

Ribera DOP oranges The oranges from Vito Perricone are produced within the DOP area of Ribera oranges. One of the most prestigious areas in the world for producing navel oranges. These oranges have a thick peel, a navel, and weigh an average of 250g. Usually spherical or oval in shape, they have 11 segments and an abundant light orange juice, with a sugar/acid ratio of 12. They are seedless, excellent for eating or juicing. Their juice is also ideal for making delicious orange cakes.

Recipes with Ribera DOP oranges Due to the size of the segments and the absence of seeds, they are perfect for the table. We also recommend a simple traditional Sicilian recipe: eat them in a salad with wild fennel, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt (on Sicily, onions and olives are often used). They are superb. The peel, being untreated, can be used to flavor cooking bases for white meats, grated into cake batters, and, as mentioned earlier, for candied and sugared topping.

Nutritional aspects of Ribera oranges The peels contain important essential oils called Portugal oil, primarily used as flavorings in the perfume and soap industry, etc. Oranges are a significant source of vitamins C, A, and B vitamins, particularly Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin (PP). With 2 or 3 oranges a day, one can meet the daily requirement for vitamin C. Furthermore, blond oranges contain a significant amount of bioflavonoids, which, combined with vitamin C, have a reconstructive effect on connective tissue and collagen. This combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids also facilitates venous blood flow and strengthens capillaries, reducing fragility and breakage. Additionally, oranges are rich in terpenes, which, when consumed regularly, have been scientifically recognized as very effective in preventing colon and rectal cancers.

Vitamin C Vitamin C in oranges, besides the previously described properties, plays a vital role in iron absorption, essential for red blood cell production. It strengthens the immune system and helps prevent colds and flu. Therefore, they are perfect for children in winter.

Ribera orange: aids digestion The B vitamins in the peel, in particular, are an excellent remedy for loss of appetite and improving digestion. To make a great digestive, take the orange peels without the white fibrous part and steep them in one liter of hot water without boiling. Let it infuse for about 10-15 minutes, and the decoction is ready.

Buying Ribera DOP oranges You can order the oranges directly from Spaghetti e Mandolino, and the order goes straight to Cascio Carmela. Vito Perricone picks the oranges based on requests and packs them for you according to your chosen quantity. Vito has also assured us that he will include some surprises… so they will be shipped from Villafranca Sicula directly to your home. Enjoy your meal!

Fabio De Vecchi

S&M