Lemons are neat since they have so many versatile uses, from making natural household cleaners to cooking.  And the smell of citrus blossoms are also very inviting.

Beautiful view of the blue ocean mixed with some yellow lemons and green grass.  Lovely photo from Amalfi Coast.

There is one place in the world that loves it’s lemon, and it is located in the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy. I first saw scenes of this place from Rick Steve’s Travels on PBS. The views are amazing and the place is very colorful. A great mix of the blue ocean and yellow lemons.

There are actually many varieties of lemons grown in this part of Italy, especially in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. The big and bumpy ones are actually citron and are popular in making jams or desserts. The ones grown in Sorrento are smaller but very aromatic. These two types of lemon are made into granita (or Italian shaved ice mixed with lemonade). The classic summer drink of fresh squeezed lemon juice is a favorite. As well as gelato (it’s like sorbet or “sorbetto alla limone”).

The citron is very interesting type of citrus that is grown all over the world too. Purdue University Horticulture department has a good description of the citron. It is a fruit better known to most consumers in its preserved rather than in its natural form. In French, it is called cedrat, cidratier, citronnier des Juifs; in Spanish, cidra, poncil, poncidre, cedro limón, limón cidra, limón Francés. In Malay, they call it limau susu, limau mata kerbau, limau kerat lingtang; in Thailand, som-mu, som manao or som ma-nguâ; in Laos, manao ripon, mak vo or mak nao.

Eric in SF of flickr took these colorful and strange citrus -  the Buddha’s Hand.

The “Buddha’s Hand” or “Fingered Citron” - it is very odd looking!  Daley’s Fruit Nursery mentioned that this fruit has been used for centuries in the Orient and Mediterranean countries.  It’s normally used to perfume clothes and rooms, as ornaments in religious ceremonies and is appreciated for its medicinal qualities.  So the skin (citrus rind) is highly frangranced.  This reminds me of the Japanese Yuzu.

These juicy looking lemons would be great as lemonade!  Photo from Rick Steve’s Travel.

Cambree’s Side Notes:  About seven years ago when my grandmother passed away, we planted a Meyer lemon tree in her memory.  It was planted at our local temple, but the grounds keeper didn’t bother to water anything much over the years.  They say it’s water conservation, but I say they missed out on some great lemons!