Sciaddè: The Pomegranate Cider of Sicily

Sciaddè is a typical Sicilian beverage made from pomegranate, which pairs excellently with salads, cheeses, and fruit.

It is essentially a pomegranate wine, obtained from the fermentation of the seeds. Sciaddè reaches an alcohol content similar to that of wine, around 11/12% vol.

Thus, it is a Sicilian alcoholic beverage that is now almost extinct, with production being home-based and limited to a few families on the island. The production process of Sciaddè is very similar to that of apple cider.

In this detailed article linked below, we discuss the five production phases and how to make apple cider. The name of the Sicilian beverage Sciaddè seems to originate from the Egyptian term “shedeh,” which refers to an ancient slightly alcoholic beverage quite similar to our Sciaddè.

Sciaddè should be stored below 10 degrees and served at a temperature of 14/15 degrees.

Pomegranate Wine

Pomegranate wines are produced and widely consumed in a few countries, such as Armenia and Israel, as part of their food tradition. In Italy, particularly in Sicily, there are records of “pomegranate wine” beverages called “Sciaddé,” a tradition that is almost lost today.

There is a substantial body of literature on the lactic acid bacteria fermentation of pomegranate juice, clearly indicating its potential as a fermented beverage. In Messina, for example, thanks to the abundant production of pomegranates, a wine with a unique, slightly sweet flavor ideal for the end of a meal has emerged.

It is the “Wonderful Strasatti” pomegranate wine, created by students of the IPAA. Formally speaking, it is not correct to call it pomegranate wine, as wine can only be referred to as such if it is made from fermented grapes, according to the European Regulation EC 479/2008.

Despite this, this slightly alcoholic beverage has all the characteristics of wine and a truly unique flavor, widely known and appreciated since the time of the Egyptians and Greeks.

How to Make Pomegranate Wine at Home (Video)