Tropical Fruit from Sicily
Sicilian Tropical Fruit Calendar
Papaya, pitaya, passion fruit, mango and avocado grown in Sicily: a guide to harvest months, growing areas, ripening and how to use them in the kitchen. Exotic fruit, but with a much shorter supply chain than produce imported from overseas.
Tropical fruit calendar
Months, growing areas and fruit to watch for.
Sicilian tropical fruit is more delicate than citrus fruit: it is often harvested at a controlled stage of ripeness and allowed to finish ripening at home. Availability varies more and depends greatly on cultivar, microclimate, greenhouses, wind and temperatures.
Product
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Why customers love it
Sicilian tropical fruit has one huge advantage: it comes from nearby.
Mango, papaya, pitaya and avocado are usually associated with long journeys, very early harvesting and forced ripening. Sicilian production changes that picture: it does not make these fruits less delicate, but it shortens the distance and makes the most of local microclimates that now support remarkable crops. For the customer, it means enjoying exotic fruit with an Italian identity and a much stronger connection to where it is grown.
Main products
What to buy and how to enjoy it.
Every fruit is different: some are ready to cut and eat straight away, others ripen slowly at home, while others are perfect for smoothies, breakfasts and fresh recipes.
Ragusa
An ideal area for pitaya and tropical crops grown in controlled environments: warmth, light and agricultural expertise produce fruit with a distinctive profile.
Giarre / Etna
An excellent area for Kensington mango: the influence of the Ionian climate and volcanic soils gives the fruit a distinctive character.
Eastern Sicily
Papaya, avocado and passion fruit have more variable availability, so we always recommend checking the actual harvest for the week.
After-delivery tip
Not all tropical fruit should arrive “soft”.
Unlike many citrus fruits, some tropical fruits may arrive while still firm. This is not a defect: it is often the best way to prevent damage in transit. Let them ripen at room temperature, check them every day and move them to the fridge only when they are ready. For avocado, mango and passion fruit, aroma and a slight softness are more useful signs of ripeness than colour.
Would you like to try Sicilian tropical fruit?
Choose a single fruit if you already know what you want, or start with the mixed box to discover several flavours in one order.