Description

Sorrento Lemons I.G.P.

Origin and history: The cultivation of lemons on the Sorrento peninsula has a thousand-year history. Here a variety has spread that takes its name from the area: a lemon, with a medium-thick peel, juicy, rich in essential oils and a strong, intense aroma and fragrance.
The presence of the lemon throughout the coastal area of ​​Campania has been attested since ancient times. In fact, magnificent lemon trees are depicted in paintings and mosaics found during the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, cities destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
In the Middle Ages and modern times, lemons continued to be cultivated on the Sorrento peninsula and the spread of specialized cultivation began in some Jesuit monasteries, such as the “Gesù” of Massa Lubrense and the “Cocumella” of Sant’Agnello.

Organoleptic properties: in the 18th century the demand for lemons increased in northern Europe and in the 19th century lemons also conquered the American markets. The “Limone di Sorrento I.G.P.” is needed for its many beneficial properties for the body: in fact, it increases natural defenses, has a detoxifying, purifying effect, has antiseptic and hypotensive functions. At the beginning of the 20th century there was maximum production and the peak of exports to foreign markets. Thus the fame of the Sorrento lemon spread throughout the Western world.

Morphology: the “Oval Sorrento Lemon” is not a defined variety, but a series of clones that are among the best and most widespread on the Sorrento coast. It is highly reblooming and would bloom almost continuously all year round if it were not for the cold winters.

Production area: the production area of ​​the Sorrento lemon covers a large part of the territory of the municipalities of Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Capri and Anacapri. In this area, the Sorrento lemon is grown according to strict regulations that require the use of traditional techniques and a drastic reduction in the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Today the area planted with lemon groves is about 400 hectares, while the total production of lemons is estimated at about 6000 tons, of which about 2000 tons are PGI products.
The IGP protection also extends to the processed product and thus the excellent properties of the fresh fruit are transferred to jams, liqueurs, oil-based condiments. Among the processed products prepared with Sorrento Lemons I.G.P., limoncello is certainly the most popular. Finally, it should be stressed that protecting and enhancing the Sorrento lemon also means protecting and enhancing the environment, the territory, rural culture and the entire economy of the region.

Weight (per Sorrento Lemons I.G.P.): Not less than 85 g

Caliber: 2 and above 3

Category: First I. (Prima I.)

IGP seal: Yes

Marketing: Mid-January to June, July

EC Reg. No. 2446/00 (GUCE No. 281 of 7/11/00)