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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Grower
Sorrento lemons are a medium to large variety with an oval shape, each end tapering to a point. The stem end may have a more prominent neck, and the opposite end will always display the typical, protruding mammilla. The highly fragrant rind is thick and somewhat bumpy, with visible oil glands. The translucent yellow pulp is aromatic, very juicy, and has very few to no seeds. Sorrento lemons have a somewhat tart, acidic flavor without any bitterness.
Sorrento lemons are available year-round with a peak season in the spring through late fall months.
The Sorrento lemon, also known as Limone di Sorrento or Ovale di Sorrento, is an Italian variety of Citrus limon. The fragrant lemons are cultivars of the oldest and most important lemon group in Italy: the Femminello-types. The lemons were named for the characteristically female protrusion opposite of the stem end. An older name for them is Sfusato, meaning “spindle” in Italian, a reflection of their shape. There are many named varieties, depending on the region in which they are grown. True Italian Sorrento lemons are grown within a protected region of origin on the Sorrento Peninsula and island of Capri in southern Italy, and are labeled with a sticker indicating such. Outside of this protected area, Sorrento lemons are grown under the name Femminello Ovale or Femminello Santa Teresa.
Sorrento lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of folate. They are also a source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. The vitamin C in lemons provides antioxidant benefits, and is vital to a healthy immune system. Lemons contain high amounts of the compound limonin, which research has shown has cancer-fighting properties.
The large, Sorrento lemons are used for their zest, rind and juice. Most often, Sorrento lemons are used for making limoncello. They are also halved, salted and preserved for later use. The fragrant lemons are used to make jams, preserves and custards. The rind and pith are used to make candied lemon peel, or used to infuse vinegars and oils. Halved or quartered Sorrento lemons can be roasted alongside meats, fish or vegetables. The aromatic zest will add a tangy citrus flavor to anything from baked goods to savory dishes. In Italy, it is often added as a finishing touch to risotto or pasta dishes. The juice can be used for marinades, beverages, sorbets, and other desserts. Store Sorrento lemons at room temperature for up to a week and refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Lemons have a long history of being revered in Italy. Some families along the Amalfi Coast have been growing Femminello-type lemons for six generations. In the Campania region lies the ruined city of Pompeii, where frescoes and reliefs of the large, fragrant lemons remain, centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. For centuries, Sorrento lemons have been the primary variety used for making limoncello. 60% of all cultivated Sorrento lemons are reserved for making the sweet Italian liqueur. It is served cold, as an after-dinner or between-course aperitif.
Sorrento lemons are native to the Sorrento Peninsula and the nearby island of Capri, located south of Naples in the western region of Campania. They are believed to have been a spontaneous mutation found on a femminello lemon tree, near Sorrento during the 16th century. Lemons were believed to have first come to Italy via travelers along the Silk Road, though some believe it was Jewish immigrants who first brought them to the area in the 1st century AD. Jesuits in the area began cultivating the lemons in 1600. They have been grown there, and along the nearby Amalfi Coast for over 500 years. The unique soil and environmental conditions in the Campania region, along with the way in which the lemons are grown – on pergolas with protective nets, are what make these lemons special. They are even hand-harvested in many cases. In the early 2000s, the lemons of Sorrento earned their own Protected Geographical Indication recognition (IGP) and, through a dedicated consortium, are protected and marketed. Outside of Italy, Sorrento lemons are grown to a limited extent in Southern California.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Italian Sorrento Lemons. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Italian Sorrento Lemons using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Description/Taste
Sorrento lemons are a medium to large variety with an oval shape, each end tapering to a point. The stem end may have a more prominent neck, and the opposite end will always display the typical, protruding mammilla. The highly fragrant rind is thick and somewhat bumpy, with visible oil glands. The translucent yellow pulp is aromatic, very juicy, and has very few to no seeds. Sorrento lemons have a somewhat tart, acidic flavor without any bitterness.
Seasons/Availability
Sorrento lemons are available year-round with a peak season in the spring through late fall months.
Current Facts
The Sorrento lemon, also known as Limone di Sorrento or Ovale di Sorrento, is an Italian variety of Citrus limon. The fragrant lemons are cultivars of the oldest and most important lemon group in Italy: the Femminello-types. The lemons were named for the characteristically female protrusion opposite of the stem end. An older name for them is Sfusato, meaning “spindle” in Italian, a reflection of their shape. There are many named varieties, depending on the region in which they are grown. True Italian Sorrento lemons are grown within a protected region of origin on the Sorrento Peninsula and island of Capri in southern Italy, and are labeled with a sticker indicating such. Outside of this protected area, Sorrento lemons are grown under the name Femminello Ovale or Femminello Santa Teresa.
Nutritional Value
Sorrento lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of folate. They are also a source of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. The vitamin C in lemons provides antioxidant benefits, and is vital to a healthy immune system. Lemons contain high amounts of the compound limonin, which research has shown has cancer-fighting properties.
Applications
The large, Sorrento lemons are used for their zest, rind and juice. Most often, Sorrento lemons are used for making limoncello. They are also halved, salted and preserved for later use. The fragrant lemons are used to make jams, preserves and custards. The rind and pith are used to make candied lemon peel, or used to infuse vinegars and oils. Halved or quartered Sorrento lemons can be roasted alongside meats, fish or vegetables. The aromatic zest will add a tangy citrus flavor to anything from baked goods to savory dishes. In Italy, it is often added as a finishing touch to risotto or pasta dishes. The juice can be used for marinades, beverages, sorbets, and other desserts. Store Sorrento lemons at room temperature for up to a week and refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lemons have a long history of being revered in Italy. Some families along the Amalfi Coast have been growing Femminello-type lemons for six generations. In the Campania region lies the ruined city of Pompeii, where frescoes and reliefs of the large, fragrant lemons remain, centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. For centuries, Sorrento lemons have been the primary variety used for making limoncello. 60% of all cultivated Sorrento lemons are reserved for making the sweet Italian liqueur. It is served cold, as an after-dinner or between-course aperitif.
Geography/History
Sorrento lemons are native to the Sorrento Peninsula and the nearby island of Capri, located south of Naples in the western region of Campania. They are believed to have been a spontaneous mutation found on a femminello lemon tree, near Sorrento during the 16th century. Lemons were believed to have first come to Italy via travelers along the Silk Road, though some believe it was Jewish immigrants who first brought them to the area in the 1st century AD. Jesuits in the area began cultivating the lemons in 1600. They have been grown there, and along the nearby Amalfi Coast for over 500 years. The unique soil and environmental conditions in the Campania region, along with the way in which the lemons are grown – on pergolas with protective nets, are what make these lemons special. They are even hand-harvested in many cases. In the early 2000s, the lemons of Sorrento earned their own Protected Geographical Indication recognition (IGP) and, through a dedicated consortium, are protected and marketed. Outside of Italy, Sorrento lemons are grown to a limited extent in Southern California.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| West Brew | Del Mar CA | 858-412-4364 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Sorrento Lemons. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| I Am A Food Blog |
|
Shrimp and Spring Vegetable Cauliflower Rice Paella |
Recently Shared
People have shared Italian Sorrento Lemons using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 124 days ago, 3/22/21 Sharer's comments : Sorrento lemons from Rancho De Sol 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 127 days ago, 3/19/21 Sharer's comments : Sorrentos from Rancho Del Sol 
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 169 days ago, 2/04/21 Sharer's comments : First batch of Sorrentos! 
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 304 days ago, 9/22/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 319 days ago, 9/07/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento lemons from Rancho Del Sol 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 341 days ago, 8/17/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento Lemons are in 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 351 days ago, 8/06/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento Lemons are still in 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 379 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento lemons from Rancho Del Sol ☀️ 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 380 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Time to make that Limoncello! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 393 days ago, 6/25/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento lemons from Rancho Del sol! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 522 days ago, 2/17/20 Sharer's comments : Sorrento Lemons coming from Rancho Del Sol. Make that limoncello!! |
