Slow Food Recognizes Sicilian Biodiversity with Two New Presidia

Sicily's rich biodiversity takes center stage as Slow Food recognizes Zaituna olives from Siracusa and Gentili grains, ancient soft wheat varieties, as new Presidia in 2025. These selections highlight the island's agricultural heritage and embody its unique terroir and traditions.

Zaituna Olives: A Heart-Shaped Treasure

The Zaituna olive, also known as Siracusana, is a large, heart-shaped variety prized for its medium-intense fruity extra virgin olive oil. The oil boasts a persistent bitter note reminiscent of artichoke, cardoon, and Avola almond.

Cultivation and Near Extinction

These olive trees thrive on the hills surrounding the Gulf of Siracusa, reaching altitudes of up to 400 meters. Despite their long history, the Zaituna variety faced near extinction due to fires in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Remarkably, some trees, now centuries old, survived, growing to seven meters tall with trunks so wide that it takes two or three people to encircle them.

The Slow Food Presidium supports the production of monocultivar oil, ensuring Zaituna olives are not merely used in blends. Currently, there are two participating producers with a production of approximately one thousand liters. Efforts to increase the number of Zaituna olive trees involve planting new plants obtained from cuttings, which are branches taken from mature trees that develop roots when planted.

Before discussing about the producers, here is a summary of Zaituna Olives:

Supporting Zaituna Olive Oil Production

The two producers associated with the Slow Food Presidium are committed to producing high-quality, monocultivar Zaituna olive oil. Their dedication helps preserve this unique variety and its distinct characteristics.

Gentili Grains: A Mosaic of Soft Wheat Varieties

The Gentili grains of Sicily encompass a diverse range of soft wheat populations cultivated for centuries. These include Maiorca, Cuccitta, Romano, Maiorcone, Pilusedda, Tiraditto, and Rosia, among others. The biodiversity of these soft wheats has been documented by the Stazione di Granicoltura of Caltagirone.

Decline and Revival

Although Sicily is renowned for its durum wheat, soft wheats were equally prevalent until the late 18th century. In recent decades, however, their cultivation has declined by over 70% due to foreign competition. The Presidium aims to facilitate the production and marketing of flours suitable for bread, pizza, fresh pasta, and pastries. This is partly achieved through the Etichetta Narrante project, which allows consumers to trace the complete supply chain.

Here's a summary of the decline in Gentili grain cultivation:

Preserving Purity and Tradition

The Presidium's regulations stipulate that seeds must come from self-production or exchange between producers. Synthetic chemical fertilizers are prohibited, and traditional agronomic practices based on agroecology are favored. These measures ensure the purity and continuity of the Gentili grain populations.

The Importance of Biodiversity

Both the Zaituna olives and Gentili grains exemplify the importance of preserving agricultural biodiversity. By supporting these unique varieties, Slow Food helps maintain local traditions, protect the environment, and ensure a diverse and flavorful food supply.

Benefits of Preserving Biodiversity

Here's an overview of the benefits of preserving agricultural biodiversity:

The Role of Slow Food

Slow Food plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting endangered food products and traditions around the world. Through its Presidia, the organization provides assistance to small-scale producers, helping them to overcome challenges and maintain their unique agricultural heritage.

How Slow Food Supports Producers

Slow Food provides the following to small-scale producers:

Etichetta Narrante: Telling the Story of Food

The Etichetta Narrante project is an innovative approach to food labeling that provides consumers with detailed information about the origin, production methods, and history of a product. This transparency helps consumers make informed choices and supports producers who are committed to sustainable and ethical practices.

Information Provided by Etichetta Narrante

The Etichetta Narrante project delivers the following details:

Agroecology: Farming in Harmony with Nature

Agroecology is an approach to farming that seeks to mimic natural ecosystems, minimizing the use of synthetic inputs and maximizing biodiversity. This method promotes soil health, reduces pollution, and enhances the resilience of agricultural systems.

Principles of Agroecology

Key Principles of Agroecology are:

The Future of Sicilian Agriculture

The recognition of Zaituna olives and Gentili grains as Slow Food Presidia represents a significant step towards preserving Sicily's agricultural heritage. By supporting these and other traditional products, we can help ensure a sustainable and flavorful future for Sicilian agriculture.