Gelo di Mellone is simply the best dessert during summer!
The “Gelo di mellone” is a typical Sicilian pudding (very popular especially in Palermo), whose main ingredient is the watermelon, which in Sicilian dialect is called “mellone” or “muluni”. Its origins are a bit uncertain – some attribute this dessert to the Arabs, who already in the ninth century conquered Sicily influencing customs and eating habits, leaving a clear sign of their influence especially in the confectionery. Others, however, claim that this dessert was brought by the Arbereshe, the Albanians who settled in southern Italy between the fifteenth and the eighteenth century, and that still reside in our island.
Watermelon is widely cultivated in Sicily and can be found in abundance in any corner of the island, especially at street vendors who expose them in their trucks. This fruit, so rich in many properties and low in calories, is a real refreshment on hot and muggy days thanks to its freshness and sweetness. Its shape is oval with a green striped skin, its pulp is red, juicy and full of black/dark brown seeds. In short, the watermelon is certainly one of the most consumed fruits in the summer by us Sicilians and it is used in the preparation of granite, ice cream, sorbets and especially in the preparation of the famous frost mellone. The Gelo di mellone is very similar to a pudding because of its consistency and can be enjoyed with a spoon or with a shortcrust pastry. In this case they are made of delicious cakes similar to real tarts, which commonly take the name of “paste al gelo”. In summer, in Sicily, it is easy to find these delicacies in any bar, pastry shop or bakery, and are a great dessert to be enjoyed after lunch or after dinner, or at any time of the day.
The preparation of the Gelo di mellone is very simple and for this reason it is possible to make it even at home. I still remember when, as a child, my mother sent me to collect jasmine flowers, which we would use both for the preparation and to decorate the cake once ready. The jasmine, in fact, together with the chopped pistachios, cinnamon and chocolate drops are fundamental ingredients that give the mello ice a unique and magically oriental scent and taste.
If you want to try it, you can do so following our recipe here!
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[…] The “Gelo di mellone” is a typical Sicilian pudding dessert (very popular especially in Palermo) , whose main ingredient is the watermelon, which in Sicilian dialect is called “mellone” or “muluni”. As the watermelon are typically very good during summer, and we always try to use the best ingredients, is not very common to find the Gelo di Mellone during the other seasons. You want to know more about this dessert? You can find our article here, and then follow our recipe! […]