The nectarine is thought to be of Arabian origin
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A rare green-skinned nectarine, grown exclusively in a handful of small orchards on the volcanic slopes of Mt Etna, will now be sold in the UK
Discovered by Elio Biondo, an Asda fruit picker, in a Sicilian orchard, the nectarine resembles an over-sized greengage plum.
Elio Biondo said, ‘I’m really excited about getting these delicious Sicilian Green Nectarines into Asda, as they really are a local secret. Being able to support the local farmers in the region and introduce customers to this divine fruit is why I love my job so much. This is a connoisseur’s fruit.’
Thought to be of Arabian origin, the variety of nectarine was introduced to the slopes of Mt Etna in the 6th Century.
Mario Castorino, head of the growing consortium in Mt Etna, said, ‘This is the first time we have let our fruit be sold anywhere outside local markets but we are proud that our Sicilian Green Nectarines will be enjoyed by British people. We hope they love it as much as we do.’
At £1.97 per punnet, the Extra Special Sicilian Green Nectarines will be sold in 95 of Asda’s store from August 31, 2011
By Lauren King
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