Jasmine granita, or “scursunera,” is a Sicilian delicacy with a unique and unmistakable flavor.
This dessert, with ancient roots, is a true delight, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
The origin of this renowned dessert can be attributed to Arab domination in Sicily.
It seems that the Arabs introduced this treat to the island to beat the summer heat, combining the taste of cinnamon with a Mediterranean herbaceous plant with yellow flowers and a slight bitter aftertaste: “barba di becco” (tragopogon pratensis), known in Sicily as “scursunera” for a specific reason.
The name derives from the plant’s long black root, as popular belief held that this plant was an effective antidote against snakebites. Snakes are known on the island as “scursùni.”
Over time, the “barba di becco” was removed and replaced with jasmine petals.
Scursunera is most commonly found in the western part of the island, especially in the Trapani region.
If you love Sicilian specialties, you can’t miss this unique treat, which reaches its full potential when using fresh, slightly bloomed jasmine.
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 hour
Nutritional values per serving of Jasmine Granita
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugar: 18 g
Ingredients
- 200 g fresh jasmine petals
- 250 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- one cinnamon stick
- juice of one lemon
- ground cinnamon
Directions
- To prepare this Sicilian delicacy, start by carefully gathering fresh and slightly bloomed jasmine petals. It’s important to use only the most fragrant and freshly picked jasmine.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add sugar and the cinnamon stick. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the jasmine petals to the sugared water along with the cinnamon, then let it infuse for about 10 minutes. Make sure the water cools completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, gently pressing the jasmine petals to extract their unmistakable aroma.
- Add the lemon juice to the filtered liquid and mix well to balance the flavors.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer.
- Every 30 minutes, stir the granita with a fork to break up the ice crystals and achieve a snow-like consistency.
- Finally, serve the Jasmine Granita in glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. A small detail that makes all the difference!
Wine Pairing
The perfect accompaniment for Jasmine Granita is a refined glass of Malvasia delle Lipari, a Sicilian sweet wine with notes of fresh fruit and flowers. This choice is perfect for enhancing the unique flavors of Jasmine Granita.
Malvasia delle Lipari stands out for its balanced sweetness, which creates a pleasant contrast with the freshness of the granita. This harmonious combination makes the tasting experience extremely enjoyable, especially on hot summer days when you appreciate the refreshment of a dessert like this one.
To fully enjoy this flavor pairing, we recommend serving Malvasia delle Lipari at a serving temperature of around 8-10°C (50°F). This temperature allows the wine to express its aromatic characteristics to the fullest, while the wine’s sweetness beautifully balances the freshness and floral aroma of Jasmine Granita.
How to Store Jasmine Granita
- Selection of Jasmine Petals: Make sure to gather fresh and fragrant jasmine petals. Using the most aromatic and freshly picked jasmine ensures a better flavor for the granita.
- Cooling of the Infusion: After infusing the jasmine petals in the sugared and cinnamon-infused water, let the water cool completely before proceeding. This step helps preserve the jasmine’s fragrance and flavor.
- Granita Storage: If there are leftover portions of granita, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Ensure the container is well-covered to prevent the unwanted formation of ice crystals on the granita’s surface. Before serving it again, allow the granita to soften slightly at room temperature and stir it with a fork to restore its snow-like consistency.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Jasmine Granita
In conclusion, Jasmine Granita is much more than just a granita; it’s a journey into the flavors and traditions of Sicily. This dessert, born during Arab domination and evolving over time, represents a delicacy that embodies the Mediterranean soul of the island.
With its aromas of jasmine and cinnamon, Jasmine Granita captures the essence of Sicily, offering a sweet scent of history and authenticity.
Prepare it with care, using quality ingredients, and enjoy it in every season for a moment of freshness and sweetness.
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