The orchards that produce exotic fruit are increasing in Sicily. For example, agronomist Antonino Moscato has been running a company in Licata (AG) specializing in passion fruit for the past six years.
Antonino Moscato
"My company is called Sicilian Passion and is located in an area suitable for the production of tropical varieties thanks to its mild climate."
"The idea of growing passion fruits originated in 2013 when we started studying plant varieties and the local soil. We started with the pilot crop in 2017 and feedback was great. We then extended surfaces and now probably own the leading national facility specializing in passion fruit."
The orchard photographed a few days ago
"Our orchards cover 3 hectares and feature over 3500 plants. We employ integrated cultivation techniques and are trying to obtain the organic certification. At the moment, however, we are trying to deliver zero-residue produce. We are successful because we harvest the fruit when it is ripe and therefore when it has more flesh, a more intense aroma and a high sugar level (18-19° Brix). What is more, it is delivered in 48/72h."
Archive photo (see photo below as well) supplied by the company
"Our produce is currently commercialized in northern Italy and France. Our objective is to reach Scandinavia and we are well aware of how much the foreign markets care about sustainability, so much so that we have set up agreements with local beekeepers to bring their beehives to us. Another step is is to use packaging with a lower environmental impact. We are currently studying a solution for our premium range that is entirely plastic-free. We are expecting to produce around 35 tons in 2019, harvested between July and February."
Passion fruit has a high water, vitamin, mineral and fiber content, so they are good for our health. In addition, the vitamin A, C and beta-carotene content means it has great antioxidant properties.
Vitamin A, whose most famous precursor is beta-carotene, is good for the skin and mucous membrane and helps increase our resistance to infections. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant with anti-age properties and it helps absorb iron on an intestinal level. This fruit contains a high potassium quantity (approximately double that of bananas). These vitamins means passion fruits have anti-inflammatory, anti-anemic and immunostimulant properties.
Contacts:
Sicilian Passion 
Via D. Scarlatti, n 5
92027 Licata (AG)
Tel.: +39 3293114674
Email: info@sicilian-passion.com
Website: www.sicilian-passion.com