In the heart of the Amalfi Coast - recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 - the Amalfi Coast PGI Limone stands as a jewel of biodiversity and Italian agricultural tradition.
This lemon is distinguished by its elongated shape and intense aromatic scent. The PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) designation emphasises the unique qualities resulting from the region's microclimate and traditional cultivation techniques. (1,2)
1) Botany
Botanicals known as Citrus limon cv (cultivar) Sfusato Amalfitano, this lemon is a small evergreen tree of the Rutaceae family. Characterised by an irregular globular crown, it is distinguished by its erect, branched trunk with thorny branches and grey-brown bark. (3)
The leaves are evergreen, alternate and broadly elliptical, and vary from a reddish colour when newly formed to a deep, glossy green when mature. The solitary or paired flowers, located at the axils of the leaves, have white petals edged with violet and an intense sweetish scent. (4)
The fruit, the lemon, is the botanical hesperidium par excellence: oval or oblong, with pointed apexes and a yellow skin rich in essential oils. The flesh, divided into 8-10 segments, is tart and juicy, perfect for a wide range of uses.
The light yellow skin of the Sfusato Amalfitano is a distinguishing feature of the Amalfi Coast.
Like theOvale di Sorrento, another PGI lemon from the Sorrento Peninsula, and all the Femminello varieties widely grown in Italy, the fruit is produced throughout the year. In relation to the harvest period, the fruits are called Primofiore (September-November), Limone (December-May), Bianchetto (April-June) and Verdello (May-July). (5)
2) History and cultivation
The Arabs, during their expansions, introduced lemons into the region. Cultivation increased in the XNUMXth century, when the Amalfi Republic decreed the importance of having stocks of lemons on ships. The consumption of this vitamin C-rich citrus fruit was in fact necessary during long voyages to prevent scurvy.
Since 1400 a flourishing maritime trade in lemons begins from Minori (Salerno) to numerous Italian and European ports. The limon amalphitanus, later renamed 'cv sfusato amalfitano', came to be known and appreciated as far as America.
3) The lemon gardens
The terraces along the steep slopes of the coastline is a masterpiece of agricultural engineering and represents the distinctive feature of lemon cultivation in this area, which also plays a leading role in the hydrogeological protection of the land.
Traditional techniques, such as the use of 'pagliarelle' (later replaced by shade nets), have helped create an ideal microclimate for growing lemons, giving them unique characteristics of flavour and aroma.
3.1) 400 hectares of Sfusato Amalfitano
Today, about 400 hectares are dedicated to the cultivation of Sfusato Amalfitano. Approximately 100 thousand tonnes are harvested each year, without the use of innovative technologies, given the difficulty of access in many areas.
Each locality along the coast celebrates this citrus fruit in its own way. In Amalfi, the lemon blends with the blue of the sea, while in Positano and Praiano it illuminates the streets and gardens. In Ravello and Scala, it enriches the mountain landscape, offering a unique chromatic contrast.
4) From Limoncello to babà
The Amalfi Coast Lemon PGI is famous as an ingredient in Limoncello. This liqueur, infused with lemon peel, is characteristic of the region and appreciated internationally.
Other uses in typical products include lemonades, babas, lemon cakes and other typical desserts that take advantage of its unmistakable aroma.
Further exploitation of the fruit emerges from research and the development of new products, such as food supplements or cosmetics. (6)
5) The cultivation area of the Amalfi Coast Lemon PGI
The geographical area of cultivation defined in the product specification as eligible for the PGI 'Limone Costa d'Amalfi' includes the entire municipality of Atrani and parts of the territories of Amalfi, Cetara, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Maiori, Minori, Positano, Praiano, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti and Vietri sul Mare.
The area extends from west to east, with the southern border along the Tyrrhenian Sea. (10)
Gabriele Sapienza
Footnotes
(1) Typical products of Campania. Amalfi Coast Lemon PGI http://www.agricoltura.regione.campania.it/tipici/limone-amalfi.html
(2) Consortium for the Protection of Limone Costa d'Amalfi PGI https://www.limonecostadamalfiigp.com/lemon/production
(3) Citrus x limon (L.) Osbeck. Acta plantarum https://www.actaplantarum.org/flora/flora_info.php?id=509509
(4) http://scopolia.unipv.it/gis_item.php?id=322&tiposcheda=S
(5) Luigi Ruggiero, Carmine Amalfitano, Claudio Di Vaio, Paola Adamo. Use of near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for authentication and traceability of intact lemon fruits. Food Chemistry. Volume 375, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131822
(6) Dario Dongo, Andrea Adelmo Della Penna. Upcycling of co-products and food waste, brief scientific review. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade).
Graduated in Agriculture, with experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture, laboratory and ecological monitoring.
