Some historical evidence reveals, at the beginning of the 19th century, along the valleys of the Verdura river, the presence of extraordinary citrus groves, whose lushness and ever-rich production were associated with natural environmental factors, such as the land crossed by sweet waters, the mild climate typical of Mediterranean countries and sheltered from frosts and Sirocco winds, the clayey and potassium-rich nature of the soil, and the proximity of the sea. A true gift of nature, Ribera D.O.P. oranges are grown and produced in an enchanting setting of breathtaking beauty where the air is still uncontaminated, the sea crystal clear and sparkling, the nature lush and sprinkled with intoxicating colours and scents. The landscape is illuminated by so many golden apples that they look like little suns, which with their scent and warmth, in the greyness of the winter season, brighten the spirits and make the days less dark.

The Washington Navel is one of the products of excellence recognised by the EEC with the varieties Washington Navel, Washington Navel Common, Washington Navel Rehabilitated, Washington Navel 3033, produced in the Protected Area of Origin, conforming to the production specifications and analytical parameters, containing the organoleptic and qualitative requirements. The Consortium for the Protection of the Oranges of Ribera PDO Sicily, established in 1994, is responsible for protecting the Riberella brand first and the PDO brand later, with the aim of distinguishing the product, with its peculiarities and origin, from counterfeits or from the competitiveness arising from the globalised market, through promotional initiatives aimed at qualifying and consolidating the brand, promoting marketing and encouraging consumption in both national and international markets. The most recent initiatives include participation at Fruit Logistic 2014 in Berlin, at Biofach in Nuremberg, at MacFruit in Cesena and lastly, the presence at theMilan Expo together with the Distretto Agrumi di Sicilia to promote the excellent PDO, PGI and organic products through a new communication campaign 'People of Sicily' that empathetically depicts people at work, and in a smile almost an invitation to visitors to the universal exhibition 'Come and visit us in Sicily'.

Certainly the Washington Navel is widespread throughout the world, but that of Ribera, along with that produced in Riverside (California), is unique and inimitable due to the particular suitability of the area in which it is produced, which embellishes or enriches it with extraordinary properties not found in other similar products.