03/13/2022
"Ariniu" is Sicilian oregano (origano in Italian) and is prized for its unmistakable scent, flavor, fragrance, as well as for its multiple therapeutic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Most of the high-quality oregano available today is cultivated on farms and is very, very good. However, nothing compares to the wild "ariniu" that sprouts up sporadically on the unspoiled slopes of Monte Sicani (Sicanian Mountains) where it grows like wild grass. Harvest is very labor-intensive - the opposite of mass production, but well worth it
For optimum flavor concentration, our oregano is hand-picked just before the oregano flower blooms, in July, in the full morning sun, after the morning dew has dried. The oregano is left intact, on its twig, often longer than 12 inches, and is then dried in the shade before it is shipped to us in September. Remember: It's bad luck to bring the oregano indoors in August!
The area our oregano comes from is part of the territory of Mezzojuso, Sicily, and is called "Contrada Marosa" an area that is higher than 1000 meter elevations and has been as is, virgin, wild, and pure, since the Mesozoic Era
You will see, smell, taste, and feel the difference that enhances our dishes at our Italian restaurant da Gemi, opening soon in Chinatown
