Salvatore Di Sciacca
"The positive trend on a global level convinced me to focus on a plant that has always been a part of our land," explains Salvatore.
60 centuries-old trees can in fact be found on company land and "we managed to make them productive once again." In addition, Di Sciacca planted another 1700 trees that will become productive in a few years' time.
A recent study presented during the Symposium on Food Security in Athens showed that local pistachios contain a particular substance called palmitoleic acid, which has beneficial properties on human health.
"Pistachios are dioecious plants, meaning the female plant needs a male plant to be pollinated. A pollinator such as 'Santangilisi' must blossom at the same time as the female. This tree takes its name from the town of S. Angelo Muxaro and is precisely where my company (which is part of the Valle del Platani Pistachio Producer Association) is located."
This combination obtained important recognition precisely due to the exclusive properties of Pistacchio Valle del Platani. The Istituto zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia standardised the product.
"We currently grow around one ton of produce, which is mainly destined to the wholesale industry. Over the next three years, though, when our trees will become fully productive, we expect to grow around 15 tons."
Agrigento is producing considerable quantities, which need to be commercialised carefully and efficiently. The Association of which 'Il Mizzaro' is a member is doing a lot towards this objective and to concentrate supplies. The purpose is to be available on the market with volumes that may be of interest for someone capable of promoting such a niche produce.
Contacts:
Azienda agricola "Il Mizzaro"di Salvatore Di Sciacca
Via Duomo, 17
92020 S. Angelo Muxaro (AG)
Tel.: +39 3316486875
Email: salvatore.di.sciacca@alice.it