The parapandolo is both a key ingredient in Ustica’s local cuisine and an important element of the island’s natural heritage. It is a very small species of shrimp, distinctive for its size and unique habitat. It is fished at a depth of about forty meters, specifically in the area known as the “Shrimp Cave” (Grotta dei gamberi), where it lives in large numbers.

This shrimp is easily recognized by its pale red colour, its striped body, and its bright red antennae. Despite its small size, it is highly valued and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways: raw, cooked, with or without the shell.

 

This element has been included in the Register of Intangible Heritage of local interest of the Municipality of Ustica, as part of Intervention 2 “Activation of the Observatory on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Territory through the application of the REIL methodology – Register of Intangible Heritage of Local Interest”, within the”Ustum Cultural Programme” project, funded by the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), Mission: Digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness, culture and tourism, Component: Tourism and culture 4.0, Investment 2.1 “Attractiveness of villages.” CUP: E24H22000130006.