A well-known Sicilian chef was arrested after drugs were allegedly found in his home, the Italian media has reported.

The 50-year-old chef reportedly justified the plants saying he was "researching new flavors" for contemporary cuisine.

Police found two two-meter-high marijuana plants and 500 grams of Indian hemp at chef Carmelo Chiaramonte's home in Trcastagni, a village at the foot of Mount Etna.

They also say cannabis-flavoured wine, olives, coffee and tuna were found at the chef's home.

Chiaramonte told police he was an "agro-food consultant for third millennium cuisine."

Famous on his native island, the chef was known for his cuisine at the Katane Palace Hotel restaurant in Catania, as well as hosting an Italian cooking TV show.

He has been released pending trial.