Italian Lemon Lovers - Limoni! Limoni!
Posted by Pam - Merchant of Prato on Jun 1st 2025
I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely in love with Lemons. I love anything with lemons on it – dresses, blouses, t-shirts, towels, rugs, wall décor, hand soap, tablecloths, dishes, Italian pottery. I even have a Lemon phone case for my iPhone. My children roll their eyes every time I spot something at the store with lemons on it. So, you can only imagine how I am on cloud nine every time I go to the Amalfi Coast.
If you have never been to the Amalfi Coast, I strongly suggest visiting this area of Italy which is probably one of the most scenic areas of all of Italy. The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of coastline in southern Italy overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its stunning beauty, including dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, picturesque coastal towns, and lush landscapes. Terraced vineyards and lemon groves add to the scenic beauty, offering a lush contrast to the deep blue waters.
Did I mention lemons? Yes, lemons! Lemon trees are everywhere. The whole Amalfi Coast is known for lemons and limoncello, and the town of Sorrento in particular. Lemons are grown on steep terraces on the coast, along the roadside, in veggie patches in almost every garden, and potted on balconies. I was just there in December and the trees were full of lemons. And the lemons in Amalfi are not your average lemon. They are the most luscious, large, brilliant lemons you have ever seen. They are large, sweet and juicy!
Amalfi lemons are the most prized lemon varieties from Italy and among the most prized lemons in the world. Amalfi lemons are a unique breed of lemon specific to Italy and this part of the world. The Florida lemon that Americans are used to doesn’t hold a candle to the Amalfi lemon. Amalfi and Florida lemons differ significantly in taste, size, and characteristics. Amalfi lemons, particularly the Sfusato Amalfitano variety, are larger, sweeter, and less acidic than Florida lemons. They also have a unique aroma and flavor profile, often described as a mix of lemon and orange. Florida lemons, on the other hand, tend to be more acidic and have a sharper, more intense lemon flavor.
Photo by Tania Melnyczuk on Unsplash
Amalfi lemons are much larger than their American counterpart. Their shape is slightly longer with a pointed end. The peel of these lemons is much thicker, and it contains a rich, perfumed essential oil, whose flavor is clearly different from other lemons. The flesh produces a juicy pulp with few seeds. The Amalfi lemon produces classic Limoncello and is known for its many health benefits including powerful antioxidant a source of vitamin C.
Amalfi Coast lemons are a staple of Italian cuisine due to their ability to balance flavors and are used in a variety of dishes and beverages, including limoncello. They are prized for their rich aroma and are used in various culinary preparations. The lemon is often paired with seafood to enhance the flavor. And you have never had a Chicken Piccata until you have had one made with Sfusato Amalfitano lemons.
And desserts! Italian Lemon Sweet treats made with Sfusato Amalfitano lemons are to die for!
A true delight, a Lemon Delight, otherwise known as Delizia al limone is a mini sponge cake filled and coated with lemon custard. These can be enjoyed at every paticceria on the Amalfi Coast.
Another treat made famous on the island of Capri is Torta Caprese al Limone is a classic chocolate cake with a delicious combination of almonds, lemon and white chocolate with a soft and fudgy interior. Torta al limone (Lemon cake) is a classic lemon butter cake. And you can never go wrong with a lemon gelato.
Photo by Maria Gavrilova on Unsplash
You may wonder is the lemon native to Italy?
The true origin of lemons is not entirely known, but they were thought to have originated in India. The ancient Romans were familiar with lemons through their vast trade networks, though lemons were not cultivated in Ancient Rome. Lemons were rare and expensive and valued, particularly by the upper classes. They were seen as a status symbol and were valued for their potential medicinal properties. Lemons appear in Southern Italy by 200 AD and by 700 AD cultivation spread throughout the Mediterranean area. Christopher Cilumbus is credited with introducing the lemon to the Americas in 1493, when he carried lemon seeds to Hispaniola. As the Spanish conquered the New World, they carried the lemon seeds further and by 1751 lemons were being grown in California.
Well I hope you have enjoyed our little tale of the Lemon and I hope you love lemons as I do!
And here I share some of my favorite Lemon Delights!!!
Perle Sol Lemon Candies