Italian News

Artichoke festival continues in Niscemi this weekend

By Dott. Lunetta

Make sure to mark on your calendar the mouthwatering Artichoke Festival (Sagra del Carciofo) that continues through the weekend in Niscemi. Marking its 41st edition this year, the festival celebrates the Violetto di Niscemi, a delicious variety of artichoke that is still grown the way it has been grown for centuries.

The Italian word for artichoke “carciofo” comes from the Arabic “Al kharshuf”. It is a thistle like plant that originated in the Mediterranean region over 2000 years ago. Ancient Greeks and Romans loved artichokes. Roman writer Pliny wrote that artichokes were delicacies, which were enjoyed only by the upper classes. An artichoke recipe appears in the writings of Roman chef Apicius showing that those vegetables were very popular in ancient times.

During the Middle Ages, Saracens cultivated artichokes in Sicily, South of Spain and North Africa. Historic chronicles tell that, in the 16th century, noblewoman Catherine de Medici brought with her chefs and artichokes to the French court, when she moved there after marrying King Henry II of France. In 1806, French immigrants who settled in Louisiana brought artichokes to the United States. Artichokes are very healthy and delicious. Scientists maintain that this vegetable can lower blood cholesterol, promotes bile secretion, helps diuresis and prevents liver problems.

Food stalls selling delicious artichoke-based dishes are open through May 1st (Italy’s Labor Day) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Festivalgoers can enjoy a wide variety of tasty selections featuring a different specialty every day. Today, food booths will open in Largo Mascione at 10 a.m. selling mouthwatering carciofo specialties. The festival also features art exhibitions at the town library (Biblioteca Comunale) and at the town’s museum (Museo Civico), night live music entertainment and arts and crafts. For more information and detailed schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100069735258168

Carciofi time continues in Niscemi! Tons of Violetto di Niscemi artichokes are the highlight of the annual mouthwatering festival which celebrates one of the largest artichokes -producing town in Italy. The “Sagra del Carciofo” (Artichoke Festival) continues through May 1st featuring artichoke-based specialties, arts and crafts, art exhibitions, folklore parades and entertainment.

(Photo by https://www.guidasicilia.it)