Sbergia

The Sbergia (or Smergia) is a variety of nectarine peach, cultivar 'Sbergiu', widespread in the Niceto Valley – in the municipalities of Torregrotta, Monforte San Giorgio and San Pier Niceto (Sicily) – of which it constitutes a typical and rooted product.

Characteristics

Usually harvested between July and August, it is characterized by smooth skin, white flesh, fragrant smell and sweet taste. Furthermore, "the pedo-climatic and cultivation characteristics typical of the diffusion area give the Sbergia organoleptic peculiarities not found in productions from other locations". However, the product deteriorates rapidly and the trees that bear fruit are very demanding in terms of pest control, pruning and branch support. Currently, Sbergia is produced on an area estimated between 75 and 90 hectares with an average annual global production of about 8,000 tonnes. The marketing market is limited to the provinces of Messina, Catania and Reggio Calabria and, due to the modest size of the cultivated areas, production cannot meet market demands. The gross income ranges between 800,000 and 1.5 million euros across the entire production area.

History

According to tradition, Sbergia was first introduced by the Arab populations who settled in the area between the 9th and 10th centuries as a result of experimental grafts. The term Sbergia itself would derive from the Arabic al-berchiga, later transformed into the French alberges during the Angevin domination, until, after various linguistic modifications, it reached the current terminology. The cultivation of Smergia in the Niceto Valley is documented with evidence starting from the 16th century, highlighted by Antonino Venuti in his treatise De agricultura opusculum of 1516.

See also

• Peach
• Prunus

Bibliography

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