Nocino, also known as Nocillo or o’ Nucille, is a brown liqueur of the so-called "ratafià" family, or infusions based on fresh fruit and alcohol. The walnuts used for its production, are rigorously harvested at the turn of the summer solstice, when the walnut is still unripe and the kernel has not yet formed, at this time the inner part of the walnut appears gelatinous but has reached the so-called "balsamic time", when the fruit best expresses its essences and in particular the tannins, which give the nocino its characteristic aroma.
In ancient times, the solstice was considered by many civilizations as a moment of great connection with the divine element, since it was thought that the great quantity of Light was a direct manifestation of the gods. It is no coincidence that Christianity dedicated this day to the nativity of John the Baptist, the preacher who baptized Jesus.
The walnut is recognized as astringent, antiseptic, healing, purifying, digestive, cleansing, tonic, hypoglycemic, vermifuge, for this reason it is considered a medicine as it is used for stomach pains especially after an abundant meal.
