Understanding the Bold Flavor and Rich History of Sorrento Lemons
Sorrento lemons offer a taste of the Mediterranean and a piece of history in every bite because they are more than a citrus fruit; they are a symbol of Italian tradition and culinary success. The variety we know today was developed by Jesuit monks in the 1600s and has risen to worldwide popularity since.
Sorrento lemons are a seasonal variety that reaches peak volumes during the height of citrus season. But what makes Sorrento lemons unique from all the other citrus varieties? We have all your answers to fully understanding Sorrento lemons below.
What are Sorrento Lemons?
Grown along the Amalfi coast, Sorrento lemons are loved for their oil-rich pith that can be used to make extracts and limoncellos. Their skin is bumpy, with a relatively thick pith that contains high levels of essential oils. Along with that, their peel is extremely aromatic. Contrary to other lemon varieties found in grocery stores, like a meyer or standard lemon, Sorrentos are never waxed or treated post-harvest. This means their zest is without any adulteration.
Sorrento lemons were granted IGP recognition in 2000 for their importance in the Campania region of Italy and their unique heritage to the Southern coast. IGP, or the Indicazione Georgrafica Protetta, is a special European designation awarded only to products originating from a region or country whose quality, heritage, and distinct characteristics are strongly tied to its geographic origin. Sorrento lemons have been grown in Southern Italy for hundreds of years and have been used in those areas since ancient times.
What do Sorrento Lemons Taste Like?
Sorrento lemons have an intense flavor due to their high juice and oil content. They have a strong citrusy-sour flavor with hints of subtle sweetness.
How to Store Sorrento Lemons
Ideally, storage conditions for Sorrento lemons will range from 45-57°F with a relative humidity of 85-95%. Ethylene gas can be used on mature lemons to de-green and bring out their yellow color. However, exposure to ethylene is not recommended as it can lead to accelerated decay.
Since Sorrento lemons are untreated and unwaxed, they have a shorter shelf-life than a standard waxed lemon. As a result, Sorrento lemons should be handled with extra care and used as soon as possible to avoid decay and quality issues.
Professional Uses
Sorrento lemons are popular for a very specific use: limoncello. The origins of the drink may never be known, but the drink is very common along the coastal region of Southern Italy. Limoncello is a fresh and sweet lemon liqueur made from steeping the lemon peeled with everclear or vodka. It rises in popularity in the springtime, where bright citrusy flavors are desired after savory winter spreads. Note that it takes several weeks to create limoncello, which means preparation and strategies must be decided in the late winter months.
Limoncello is best served over ice but can be used to create other menu items. For sweet applications like desserts, consider incorporating limoncello into sorbets or granitas as a refreshing element. Or, try a seasonal twist on an Aperol spritz, a cocktail that has been trending and rising in popularity since last summer, with a limoncello spritz.
