Dried fruit is undoubtedly one of the symbols of the Christmas holidays, a must on the laid tables, starting from the eve of the Immaculate Conception up to the Epiphany. Served together with fruit and traditional desserts, it is consumed at the end of lunch or dinner. It is often used as an ingredient in particularly modern first or second courses, or to fill nougats, panforte, as well as various cakes and sweets, typical of this period.
The origins
Eating dried fruit at this time of year and, especially, at Christmas and New Year, is an ancient tradition dating back to the Egyptians. It was the Egyptians who introduced it to the Greek and Roman civilizations. In Roman times, when Christmas was not yet celebrated, dried fruit was offered and consumed at the end of the most refined banquets. Furthermore, the Romans always considered it a good omen. For this, on the occasion of weddings it was customary to sprinkle walnut kernels on the floor of the future groom's house.
From Roman times onwards, the tradition of consuming dried fruit at the end of banquets was gradually integrated with Christian customs. Over the centuries, the consumption of dried fruit in winter, and especially during the holidays, has become a real ritual throughout Italy, especially in the south.
Why is it consumed during the Christmas period?
There is no particular reason, but, in this regard, two theories have been put forward. The first is linked to the seasonality of the fruit. Since it is difficult to find fresh fruit in winter, it was used to dry it in the summer so it could be consumed in the winter. According to another theory, however, in the past, when poverty was the condition in which the majority of the population found themselves, ChristmasInstead of gifts, dried fruit was given.
Nutritional properties
This symbol par excellence of the Christmas holidays brings many beneficial effects to our body. However, as with other foods, you should never consume them in excess. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, together with the dried fruits associated with them (dates, raisins, apricots, plums, figs, etc.), contain numerous nutrients, in particular polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-6, important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and for keeping cholesterol under control.
Omega-6 are also powerful antioxidants, therefore they help to counteract the action of free radicals, responsible for cellular aging. Dried fruit, however, contains many calories, which is why it should not be abused.
'To dry, dried fruit from Campania
In Campania it is tradition to conclude the Christmas lunch or dinner with the so-called "seccumma”. It is a basket full of dried nuts, which, due to the quantity and ways in which it is eaten, has also taken the name of "fun time" (pastime), because it is munched on for a long time, between one chat and another.
'Seccumma' is in great demand in the period preceding Christmas and New Year, so much so that its price rises compared to other periods of the year. Bringing dried fruit to the table is now everywhere in Italy, a ritual that further enriches and colors our moments of family celebration.
(Photo: Pixabay)
