Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Lemons
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Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Lemons The finest and most distinctive lemons in Italy come from the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula (around the Bay of Naples). Evidence of cultivated lemon groves dates as far back as the 1st century in and around Sorrento and from the early 11th century along the Amalfi Coast. The superior lemons produced in both regions have been granted IGP (Protected Geographic Indication) status. It is a designation approved in 1992 under the adoption of the European Union and it applies to agricultural produce of exceptionally high reputation and distinction, relative to its geographical origin. The production, process and distribution are strictly controlled. Amalfi Coast lemons are unique. They are a very large fruit, can reach the size of a grapefruit, with a strong scent, a juicy-sweet pulp and very few pips. They are the secret behind the intense flavour 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 very famous. It is a kind of lemon which gets its name from its elongated spindle-shape and of course, from the Amalfi Coast. It is harvested from February to September. Sorrento lemons have an exceptional aroma and flavour. They are elliptical in shape, with a medium thick aromatic skin and an extra-juicy, straw-yellow interior. According to IGP standards, they must weigh no less than 2.8 ounces. The best fruit is harvested between May and October and the lemon trees are limited to only 344 per acre to ensure the quality of the fruit. The Amalfi Coast lemon is scientifically known as Sfusato Amalfitano and the body responsible for its preservation is the Consortium for the Promotion of the Amalfi Coast Lemon or 'Consorzio di Tutela del Limone Costa d'Amalfi I.G.P.' When buying the lemons, lemon liqueur or lemon by-products look out for the I.G.P. logo which is the official acknowledgement that the lemons used were grown in the territory and according to the traditional rules of production. Although known in Roman times and actively introduced from the Middle East during the Crusades, the lemon industry along the Amalfi coast only really got going during the golden age of discovery following the discovery of the Americas. The fruit was grown to provide vitamin C on long sea voyages to prevent scurvy. Nevertheless, the Arabic words stuck and limuczello and jardeno entered the language. Minori was the key port and the local lemons were traded across Italy and beyond. Botanist G.B. Ferrari was the first to record the qualities of the local lemons in 1646. He wrote: 'the nipple is prominent, the rind is rough, pleasantly scented with a sweet taste, the flesh has 8 or 9 segments, the taste is pleasantly sour'. By the 19th century the lemon has assumed a great social and economic importance and the enormous work of transforming the previously unproductive rural landscape was complete. Production involved the whole town. Every lemon was sold individually and women would carry the fruit downhill in 50kg baskets on their shoulders. Fishermen would transfer the harvest to larger ships moored offshore. The production of Amalfi Coast lemons is limited to 25 tons per hectare. The harvest is done by hand from February to October. The fruit yields no less than 25% of its volume in juice and the Amalfi Coast lemon has a higher vitamin C content than most other lemons. The geographic area of production includes the towns of Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Positano, Praiano, Tramonti and Vietri sul Mare. A comparative study by the Dept. of Chemical and Food Engineering at the University of Salerno demonstrated that the peel of the Amalfi Coast lemon also has a superior aromatic potency than any other and an elevated number of oil glands. The video below was produced to highlight a lemon tour organized by the Circolo Legambiente "Vivi la Natura" di Amalfi and the Consorzio Tutela Limone Costa d'Amalfi IGP. Aimed at discovering the 'Sfusato Amalfitano' close up, it is a great way to visit the lemon gardens or groves of Amalfi and understand the relationship between territory and sustainable agriculture. Story of the Amalfi Coast Lemon Written by Philip Curnow Published in Campania Food A a Be the first to comment! Lemons of the Amalfi Coast© Copyright Delicious Italy MEDIA Lemon Tour Circolo Legambiente "Vivi la Natura" di Amalfi The Amalfi Coast lemon is scientifically known as Sfusato Amalfitano and the body responsible for its preservation is the Consortium for the Promotion of the Amalfi Coast Lemon or 'Consorzio di Tutela del Limone Costa d'Amalfi I.G.P.' When buying the lemons, lemon liqueur or lemon by-products look out for the I.G.P. logo which is the official acknowledgement that the lemons used were grown in the territory and according to the traditional rules of production. Although known in Roman times and actively introduced from the Middle East during the Crusades, the lemon industry along the Amalfi coast only really got going during the golden age of discovery following the discovery of the Americas. The fruit was grown to provide vitamin C on long sea voyages to prevent scurvy. Nevertheless, the Arabic words stuck and limuczello and jardeno entered the language. Minori was the key port and the local lemons were traded across Italy and beyond. Botanist G.B. Ferrari was the first to record the qualities of the local lemons in 1646. He wrote: 'the nipple is prominent, the rind is rough, pleasantly scented with a sweet taste, the flesh has 8 or 9 segments, the taste is pleasantly sour'. By the 19th century the lemon has assumed a great social and economic importance and the enormous work of transforming the previously unproductive rural landscape was complete. Production involved the whole town. Every lemon was sold individually and women would carry the fruit downhill in 50kg baskets on their shoulders. Fishermen would transfer the harvest to larger ships moored offshore. The production of Amalfi Coast lemons is limited to 25 tons per hectare. The harvest is done by hand from February to October. The fruit yields no less than 25% of its volume in juice and the Amalfi Coast lemon has a higher vitamin C content than most other lemons. The geographic area of production includes the towns of Atrani, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Positano, Praiano, Tramonti and Vietri sul Mare. A comparative study by the Dept. of Chemical and Food Engineering at the University of Salerno demonstrated that the peel of the Amalfi Coast lemon also has a superior aromatic potency than any other and an elevated number of oil glands. The video below was produced to highlight a lemon tour organized by the Circolo Legambiente "Vivi la Natura" di Amalfi and the Consorzio Tutela Limone Costa d'Amalfi IGP. Aimed at discovering the 'Sfusato Amalfitano' close up, it is a great way to visit the lemon gardens or groves of Amalfi and understand the relationship between territory and sustainable agriculture. www.limonecostadamalfiigp.com There is, in fact, another type of lemon grown not far from the Amalfi coast, this time the Limone di Sorrento I.G.P. of the Sorrento Peninsular. They are known as 'Femminello Sorrentino' or 'Limone ovale' and are slightly more acidic or 'tangy' than the Amalfi Coast lemon described above. They were notably cultivated by Jesuit priests in the Guarrazzano valley near the Lubrense rock outcrop and the lemons from this comune are still known as 'Limone di Massa'. In Sorrento, you can't move for stalls and shops selling lemon liqueurs in untold bottle shapes, but they are so good raw they can be eaten like bananas or oranges, simply peeled and cut into segments. From the website below we learn that the lemons used for the production of limoncello in the Sorrento peninsular are guaranteed by the Solagri Cooperative of lemon cultivators. Together with the lemon liqueur producers syndicate, their joint label 'Terre delle Sirene' is also another indication that the lemons of the famous limoncello have been grown using traditional methods The yellow that stands out The "sfusato" lemon is the most genuine testimonial of the Amalfi coast. Under a thick light yellow peel, beats a tender flesh. A sweet and juicy soul in a land to discover. The intense and exciting smell evokes the emotions, magic and colors of the Divine coast. A superb fruit, also appreciated abroad. The "sfusato" lemon is the most famous inhabitant of the Amalfi coast. It is the best ambassador of a land rightly considered by UNESCO World Heritage site for its art and history. A fruit that has a positive and cheerful character, like the locals. The "sfusato" lemon: the most original and suggestive postcard from the Amalfi coast. Distinguished features: intense smell; streamlined shape; juicy flesh; seeds almost absent. Rich in vitamin C and essential oils. Delicious if enjoyed uncooked, ideal for the preparation of fresh recipes. Disciplinare di produzione della Indicazione Geografica Protetta "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" Contenuto nel provvedimento del Ministero delle politiche agricole e forestali, G.U. n. 178 del 18/7/2001 (Iscrizione nel "Registro delle denominazioni di origine protette e delle indicazioni geografiche protette" ai sensi del Reg. CE n. 1356/01) Art. 1 L'Indicazione Geografica Protetta (I.G.P.) "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" è riservata ai limoni che rispondono alle condizioni ed ai requisiti stabiliti dal regolamento CEE n.