Avola almond

Amande d'Avola

What it is

Pizzuta means pointed in Sicilian, and the kernel is flat and almost perfectly symmetrical — which is why it became the almond for sugared confetti, since an even shape takes an even coat. The trees are grown without irrigation in the Val di Noto, so crops are small and the kernels dense enough to grind dry.

In the kitchen

For granita di mandorla grind it cold and in bursts — it is dry enough to stay a powder where a Marcona smears into paste. One part almond to six of water, sweetened, then frozen and scraped.

Goes with

Lemon Orange blossom water Ricotta Honey Coffee Cinnamon

Same species

Bergeron apricot Almond Almond flour Almond oil Amardine Amarena cherry in syrup

In season alongside

Artichoke Acorn Sweetfish (ayu) Beechnut Belon flat oyster Caesar’s mushroom

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