Lemons

One fruit that correlates with Southern Italy and its cuisine is the lemon: with its bright, sunshine yellow color, tart, refreshing flavor and sweet aroma. The lemon originated in South-East Asia and was transported by Middle Eastern traders into Southern Italy. The finest and most distinctive lemons in Italy come from the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula (around the Bay of Naples). They have been granted IGP (Protected Geographic Indication) status which was approved in 1992 under the European Union. It makes sure that agricultural produce of high reputation and distinction, relative to its geographical source are not imitated. Amalfi Coast lemons are unique. They are a very large fruit, can reach the size of a grapefruit, with a strong scent and a juicy-sweet pulp. They are the secret behind the intense flavor of Limoncello and the desserts prepared in the Amalfi Coast's pastry shops. They are easily distinguished from other lemons in markets because they are the only lemons picked with the stems on. The "Sfusato Amalfitano" is the most famous lemon. It is a kind of lemon which gets its name from its elongated spindle-shape. It is harvested from February to September. Sorrento lemons have an exceptional aroma and flavor. They are elliptical in shape, with a medium thick aromatic skin and an extra-juicy, yellow inside. According to IGP standards, they must weigh no less than 2.8 ounces. The best fruit is harvested between May and October.

Lemons are one of the important staple foods in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. The most famous product is Limoncello. It is an Italian lemon liqueur usually served chilled as an after-dinner digestive drink. Limoncello is now considered the national drink of Italy and can be found in stores and restaurants all over Italy. Every store or restaurant has its unique or favorite brand of Limoncello. The Delizia Al Limone, a popular Sorrento dessert is a sponge cake base prepared with fresh lemon juice and covered in a generous layer made up of confectioners custard, fresh cream, limoncello and sugar, all topped with a sprinkling of lemon zest. Other products produced with lemons are lemon chocolate, lemon soap, and lemon flavored candies.

When I went to Sorrento this last weekend, my friend Kim and I stopped to see a Lemon and Orange grove. This grove grows lemons and oranges and then makes their own limoncellos with their produce. We got to sample all the limoncello flavors: orange, lemon, mandarian, and blueberry. They were unbelievably strong, but very tasty so we bought some to bring home. We thought it was a cool gift because the limoncello was made from the lemons/oranges that were grown on that specific grove site. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast would not be the same without the aroma scent of the lemon groves. We also went to a lemon factory shop and got to sample lemon candies: Lemon marzipan, hard candies with limoncello inside, lemon chocolate, and anything else lemon you could think of!

Here is an easy Limoncello recipe. http://www.whats4eats.com/beverages/limoncello-recipe

Limoncello does not really exist in the US, so maybe one day over the summer I will make this refreshing after lunch/dinner liqueur for my friends!