An experience to do, when you come to visit Mount Etna, is that of collecting berries. You can do it anywhere, at any time during the late summer period (August-September). Even while you are on an excursion with your guides. What matters, however, is that you are on foot and that you want to take life “slowly”. Because only by looking calmly you shall find delicious blackberries and blueberries, which have recently become a true gastronomic treasure. Etna, in fact, is a large mountain with typical mountain climates. And this favours the growth of many berries: blueberries and blackberries are the new “discoveries” of Etna farms. And they can also become delicious sweets

Mt Etna’s berries

The fertile soil of the volcano guarantees an almost infinite production of fruits of the earth. And Etna is one of the most fertile territories ever. Little exploited until recently, except for the ubiquitous mulberries, the production of berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries) today is becoming a feather in the cap of Etna. After all, the woods of Etna and the climate they preserve allow not only to “find” these sweet berries but also to cultivate them for commercial purposes. Which several companies run by young local entrepreneurs are doing.

A delicious Etna dessert

There are dozens of ideas for using Etna blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and mulberries. Certainly granitas, cakes, but also more immediate, very summery cold sweets. Here we propose a recipe (thanks to paperblog.com) and other nice ideas to transform these fruits of Etna into masterpieces of goodness.

Cold Blackberry and Blueberry Mousse

What you need: 250g cow’s milk ricotta – 250g cream – 100g granulated sugar – 250g blueberry and blackberry puree – 9g gelatin sheets – berrei compote.

How to do it: First, blend the blueberries and blackberries together. Whip the ricotta by sifting it with the sugar and in the meantime soak the gelatin in 45g of water, avoiding breaking it.

Take part of the puree (80g) and heat it (in the microwave) so that you can add the gelatin without squeezing, stirring to mix everything. Whip the cream after removing it from the fridge. First mix the berry puree with the ricotta, then add the cream, pour into glass bowls.

Decorate with mixed berries compote and a few pieces of blackberry or blueberry. You can also add mulberries if you want. Let it rest in the fridge before consuming it.

More ideas for using blackberries and blueberries

If you really want absolute Sicilianity, simply put the ricotta and berries in the fridge, mixing everything together in a glass or cup when you decide to eat it. You can decorate with almond crumbs or with chocolate flakes.

Alternatively, with yogurt, you can prepare delicious frozen blackberry and blueberry bars, as the blog Scorzette.com explains (recipe, in italian, HERE). A happy idea to “nibble” your healthy and tasty summer sweet wherever you want.