Known in ancient times as dew honey, Manna delle Madonie is nothing but solidified ash sap and is a more than appreciated traditional food of Sicily.
Its production area is limited in the territory it gives Pollina it comes up to Castelbuono, inside the Madonie Park in a contained area of only 250 hectares.
Beneficial properties of the Manna delle Madonie
It is a Slow Food presidium and it is a product that has incredible properties also due to being particularly rich in sugars. Although nowadays it is used to satisfy the taste or as a digestive, in the past it was appreciated for its medicinal properties. In fact it turns out to be a natural remedy to appease the infant colic, to be a formidable laxative and to have refreshing and purifying properties. It can be consumed by eating it plain or dissolved in water or milk. By virtue of the sugars present, it is also frequently used in confectionery and is added to bread dough to help it rise.
How is Manna delle Madonie produced?
In the period from July to September in a specific area included in the Madonie Park between Pollina and Castelbuono where there are ash trees, expert farmers carry out some trunk incisions and this allows the escape of this liquid which congeals forming gods cannoli. It is a process that farmers pass down from generation to generation and which respects ancient techniques belonging to tradition.
La best manna of the Madonie it is obtained from ash trees that grow on arid, steep and nitrogen-rich soils which must have undergone indispensable pruning which optimizes the tree's reaction in relation to summer temperatures which stand at 40°C and which favor the formation of manna.
The farmer takes care of it who uses a small sickle called mannaruolo to expertly engrave the trunk of the ash tree which drips its sap. Thanks to a nylon thread positioned near the hole, the manna pouring very slowly follows a path solidifying and creating i cannoli.
What requires experience is the evaluation of timing as there are no obvious signals that warn the farmer when the time has come to engrave the trunk and, above all, where is the best point to make the incision from where it will come out the lymph.
Madonie: what to see
If the Manna delle Madonie is an ancient food but also highly appreciated in our present, the Madonie Park is an area characterized by scenic villages to see where you can also appreciate the local gastronomy capable of satisfying even the most demanding palates.
Here is a guide on the Madonie what see.
Collesano
It is a small village which was an important feudal center during the Middle Ages. Do not miss the remains of a Norman castle which bears witness to how fascinating it could have been in its time from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama. Also to know Church of Santa Maria la Vecchia and the fourteenth century Basilica of Santa Maria La Nova inside which is kept a wooden Crucifix of the sixteenth century. Also worth exploring Borgo Bagherino and, for enthusiasts, the Targa Florio Museum.
Isnello
From Collesano ad Isnello a particularly scenic route winds its way through oak groves and thick woods that offer a special suggestion. To visit the sixteenth century Gibilmanna sanctuary which offers an incredible view of the coast and Cefalù. Don't miss it too church of Santa Maria Maggiore also for the panorama that can be enjoyed from above.
Castelbuono
A real discovery turns out to be the exploration of this village characterized by suggestive alleys and the medieval castle wanted by Francesco I of Ventimiglia, today seat of civic Museum of the country.
Geraci Siculo
Also in this village there are the remains of a castle wanted by the Ventimiglia family at the end of the XNUMXth century and also having a chapel built later. Do not miss the beautiful old town with the Duomo and the other churches.
