An ancient story that began in the 11th century on the terraces of the coast.
The story of the Amalfi lemon is an ancient one that began in the 11th century, when the Arabs introduced the cultivation of this prized citrus fruit on the Amalfi Coast. From then on, the local people began carving small strips of land for farming out of the steep hillsides: this is how the famous terraces were born, also called “gardens” for their care and beauty, and very useful for protecting the land from landslides.
A valid remedy against scurvy (a disease linked to a lack of vitamin C), the lemon was always on board the Amalfi merchant ships, which traded across the whole Mediterranean. Because of its undisputed therapeutic properties, demand for lemons was very high, especially from Northern Europe; the historian Matteo Camera writes that in 1600 lemons “were shipped from Minori to other Italian markets, together with limoncelli and cetrangoli”, the term used for bitter oranges.
The sfusato amalfitano (so called for its characteristic elongated shape) has very prized and renowned features: the peel is medium-thick and pale yellow, with an intense aroma and fragrance thanks to its essential oils and terpenes (a feature valued for making lemon liqueur). The pulp is juicy and moderately acidic, with few seeds. It is also a medium-large lemon (at least 100 grams per fruit) and one of the varieties richest in ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Widely used in cooking, both fresh and as a seasoning, the sfusato amalfitano is the main ingredient of Amalfi Coast dishes, whether fish or meat, and of desserts, creams, infusions and liqueurs.
The Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I.) “Limone Costa d’Amalfi” was recognised under EC Reg. No 2081/92 by Regulation (EC) No 1356 of 4 July 2001 (published in OJEC No L 182 of 5 July 2001). Registration in the national register of protected designations and geographical indications took place by ministerial decree of 18 July 2001, published in GURI No 178 of 2 August 2001, together with the production specification and the summary sheet (already published in OJEC No C 282 of 5 October 2000).
