The name of the Sfusato Amalfitano variety, which gives rise to the Protected Geographical Indication "Limone Costa d'Amalfi", comprises two important features: the tapered shape of the fruit, hence the term "sfusato", and the area in which it has differentiated over time: the Amalfi Coast.
The "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" IGP is a very valuable and well-known product: the skin is of medium thickness, very pale yellow in colour, with an intense aroma due to the abundance of essential oils and terpenes (a feature considered very valuable for the production of lemon liqueur). The flesh is juicy and slightly acidic, with few seeds. It is also a medium-large lemon (at least 100 grams per fruit).
Recent studies at the University of Naples, “Federico II” has discovered that this variety of lemon is one of the richest ever in ascorbic acid, the famous vitamin C.
The "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" IGP is considered, commercially, a product of excellence, both as regards the fresh market and for the production of the famous "limoncello", which here, just as in Sorrento and Capri, has found its elected area.
The typical cultivation in terraces along the steep slopes of the Coast, and the coverage of the plants with the famous "pagliarelle" (now replaced by the more practical shading nets), contribute to the unique and valuable characteristics of the "Limone Costa d'Amalfi " IGP and its world famous mythical " gardens ".
Harvesting takes place several times a year due to the typical phenomenon of polymorphism in lemons, though the most valuable production is obtained in the spring-summer period, between March and the end of July.
Its intense aroma, the thick skin, the juicy, semi-sweet pulp and almost no seeds means that the "Limone Costa d'Amalfi" IGP is widely used in cooking. In the area of production it is often served straight from the tree as a salad. Another typical use of the lemon in the Amalfi area is as seasoning. For fish, seafood starters, the famous first courses of the area and on meat, the lemon, whole, sliced, or even only as an ingredient, is always there with the most important dishes. The best chefs in the area have made it the top gastronomic attractor. Some bars in the area even serve "coffee with lemon."
We have already spoken about the limoncello, an infusion of lemon peel dipped in pure alcohol. But the Amalfi Sfusato is not limited to the production of the famous lemon liqueur; it is also used in the confectionery sector, where the unmistakable aroma of this precious fruit is the basis of many specialties, such as the legendary "Delights ", the " limoncello baba ", cakes, profiteroles, chocolates and other local sweets.
