Zuccata

Zuccata is the Sicilian candied pumpkin, traditionally prepared with the trumpet-shaped virmiciddara variety. The elaborate process of preparation starts with pieces of pumpkin that are pressed and left to dry. The meat is then separated, cooked, usually flavored with lemon juice and various spices, and finally coated with generous amounts of sugar.

It is believed that candied pumpkin was a creation of Salvatore Gulì, a pastry chef from Palermo, who primarily used it as a decoration on top of the popular Sicilian cassata. Although it can be eaten on its own, zuccata is often incorporated in various cream cheese-based desserts, and to this day it remains a traditional cassata topping.