Image by Lorenzo Lamonica

Frutta martorana

The decadent dish Frutta Martorana is one of Sicily’s most beloved culinary creations. Believed to have originated at the heart of Palermo, in the Monastero delle Martorane, this culinary treasure is a perfect blend of fragrant sugar and almond flour, crafted into spectacular shapes of fruit and vegetables. These edible sculptures are almost too beautiful to eat, but biting into its delectable filling reveals an indulgent sweetness that is so scrumptious it will make your taste buds sing.

Frutta martorana


At first glance, Frutta Martorana may appear plain and unsophisticated, yet its modest exterior does an incredible disservice to the complexity of flavours and textures that await within. The sweet almond paste is spiked with candied orange peel, which contrasts wonderfully with the bitter almond essence, creating a heavenly medley of tastes. The smooth, malleable paste comes alive as you bite into it, revealing the crunchy pieces of candied orange peel within.

This Sicilian specialty has been enjoyed by generations, not just for its deliciousness but also for its decorative flair. It provides a unique opportunity to showcase culinary artistry, with intricate details such as petals and leaves, bringing this humble dish to life. While simplicity seems to be the main theme behind Frutta Martorana, its exquisite craftsmanship conveys a level of sophistication unseen in any other pastry.

Nothing quite compares to savouring the richness of Frutta Martorana. From its nostalgic flavours to its captivating artistic style, this Sicilian dish is sure to inspire pleasure and admiration. Just one bite is all it takes for you to experience the marvel of this iconic Italian treat!

The origin of Frutta martorana

Mouths have been watering ever since the dawn of time when it comes to the iconic treats that make up the Tuscan dish, Frutta Martorana. Its origin story is deeply lighted by an array of legends, and its roots are often shrouded in mystery.

Though its exact beginnings are debated, many have erroneously claimed that its name is derived from the term “fruits of the marzipan” due to its illustrious, marzipan-like look. This claim has since been debunked, but no one can deny the strong presence of marzipan found within the colorful, sweet delights.

In reality, the name is actually a nod to the iconic story of Monzù Martoranu; a Sicilian courtier employed by the Spanish Viceroy in Palermo. When a local nobleman requested a unique set of desserts for a party, Martoranu was asked to deliver with his legendary culinary talent. He created a series of exquisitely sculpted fruit-like pastries that, upon consumption, tasted of almond and honey. Thus, this delectable treat became known as Frutta Martorana.

This traditional dish has since become a Sicilian staple, with each region adding its own twist on the recipe. Regardless of regional flare, the traditional ingredients remain largely intact; marzipan, honey, and various zests are all necessary for the authentic experience. As such, the ingenious creation of Martoranu has held itself in high regard for centuries, appeasing both the regal and peasantry alike.

It is clear that Frutta Martorana is a timeless classic, delighting tongues far and wide. Whether or not its history can be accurately revealed, one fact remains: the origin of this delicious masterpiece shall forever be celebrated!

Types of Frutta martorana

Frutta martorana is a classic Sicilian dish, originating in the city of Palermo, Italy. It is a type of fruit cake made from almond paste formed into a variety of shapes, from lemons and oranges to traditional Easter figures. The frutta martorana is very popular in local festivities and holidays, and is often served as part of a traditional Easter breakfast.

The most common type of frutta martorana is a lemon-shaped cake. This has a beautiful yellow exterior which is decorated with colored sugarpaste. The inside is typically made of marzipan, which gives it an sweet almond flavor. Many families like to top their frutta martorana with finely chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.

If you are looking for something a little different, you can try the pine cone shaped frutta martorana. These have a more rustic look and feel, as they are often shaped from almond paste into the form of a pine cone. One of the unique features of this frutta martorana is that it is meant to be eaten with a fork, rather than a knife.

The fig shaped frutta martorana is also quite popular, and it is characterized by its distinctively dark green hue, which comes from the addition of pistachio paste or green food coloring. Inside the outer crust, a light and airy almond paste forms the filling. The texture of this frutta martorana is much softer than that of the lemon or pine cone varieties, and it is often enjoyed as a mid-morning snack.

Finally, there is the Easter themed frutta martorana. This type of cake is shaped into bunnies, chicks, and lambs, and is usually decorated with brightly colored sugarpaste. Inside, a delicate almond paste filling and flavored with a hint of citrus, making it a delicious dessert. This frutta martorana is a great way to celebrate Easter, as well as other special occasions.

No matter which type of frutta martorana you choose, you will be sure to enjoy the unique taste and textures of this traditional Sicilian dish. Its combination of sweet almond paste and citrus flavors make it a real treat!