WHILE holidays to places like Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan remain popular, there are several other Italian towns that seem to have flown under the radar. Popular towns and cities in Italy can get very crowded, but there are still some secluded spots where holidaymakers can relax in peace. One of those places is Bronte - a small Italian town in Sicily that's known for its rich production of citrus fruits, olives and pistachios.
Despite its close proximity to Mount Etna and Catania , the Italian town remains largely free from tourists. Pistachios are known as the green gold of Italy, which makes Bronte somewhat of a haven thanks to the Bronte Pistachio. This type of pistachio is only produced in the Italian town after it was given its own distinction by the European Union in 2009.
The Italian pistachios are desirable for their colour, texture and flavour. Laura Lupo, who is the owner of A’ Ricchigia, a well-known agricultural company in the town, said: "This is absolutely the Pistachio Motherland—it’s a huge part of the richness of Sicily as what grows here has a unique taste." There are plenty of tasty treats to sample too, including pistachio arancini (fried rice balls) and brioche buns filled with pistachio gelato.
Other pistachio food items found in the town include homemade pasta with pistachio flour and pistachio-flavoured sausages. Every year, at the end of September, a nut festival is held in the town to celebrate the Bronte Pistachio, with events taking place.