Imagine yourself in a fragrant lemon orchard under the intense blue sky on the Amalfi Coast, sipping some chilly limoncello… an icy liqueur with a strong, yet sweet lemon flavor!
This Italian liqueur is produced mainly in the south of the boot, especially in Campania’s areas around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula, the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri.
Limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento lemons or Sfusato Lemons. It is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo. Along the Amalfi Coast, it is usually served in small, locally produced ceramic glasses themselves often chilled.
Although you can enjoy limoncello in any restaurant, bar or at home, one of the best ways to appreciate it is… in a limoncello factory!
Unique guided visits allow you to learn about the different phases of production, from watching the harvest or actually helping to pick lemons in a typical limoneto (orchard), to the laboratory where specific techniques are used to clean, peel and process the lemons. The tour ends with a tasting session, not only of limoncello but can also include other traditional liqueurs or desserts, such as the babà al limoncello (cake).
Who knows… your tour guide might also give you the traditional limoncello recipe printed on handmade Amalfi paper, called ‘bambagina’ and renowned for being an elegant, thick type of paper. A truly local experience!
Photo credits:
image from LonelyPlanet.com and Luxury Retreats
