{"id":1558,"date":"2026-07-17T15:24:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/?p=1558"},"modified":"2026-07-17T15:43:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:43:06","slug":"italian-lemon-varieties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/en\/italian-lemon-varieties\/","title":{"rendered":"Varieties of Italian lemons: a guide to the finest cultivars and their characteristics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&nbsp;use&nbsp;lemons&nbsp;every&nbsp;day,&nbsp;often&nbsp;without&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;to&nbsp;wonder&nbsp;where&nbsp;they&nbsp;come from or&nbsp;what&nbsp;distinguishes&nbsp;one&nbsp;fruit&nbsp;from&nbsp;another&nbsp;in&nbsp;terms&nbsp;of&nbsp;flavour, aroma,&nbsp;colour&nbsp;and&nbsp;juice&nbsp;content.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But\u00a0how\u00a0many\u00a0varieties\u00a0of\u00a0lemons\u00a0are\u00a0there\u00a0really?<\/strong>\u00a0There\u00a0is\u00a0no\u00a0exact\u00a0figure:\u00a0worldwide,\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0countless\u00a0varieties,<br>including\u00a0cultivated\u00a0varieties,\u00a0hybrids\u00a0and\u00a0local\u00a0ecotypes,\u00a0which\u00a0are\u00a0difficult\u00a0to\u00a0count\u00a0definitively. In Italy,\u00a0however, the figure\u00a0is\u00a0clear:\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0<strong>seven\u00a0PGI\u00a0designations\u00a0dedicated\u00a0to\u00a0lemons.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In\u00a0this\u00a0article,\u00a0we\u00a0offer\u00a0an\u00a0overview\u00a0of the\u00a0<strong>main\u00a0varieties\u00a0of\u00a0lemons,\u00a0starting\u00a0with Italy\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 a country with a long\u00a0tradition\u00a0of\u00a0citrus\u00a0cultivation\u00a0linked\u00a0to\u00a0its\u00a0specific\u00a0growing\u00a0regions.\u00a0This\u00a0heritage\u00a0is\u00a0also\u00a0celebrated\u00a0by\u00a0Polenghi\u00a0through<br>its\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/en\/polenghi-lemon-juice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">organic\u00a0and\u00a0natural\u00a0lemon\u00a0juice<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Italian lemon: why it is different from all the others\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lemon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Citrus limon<\/a>&nbsp;belongs to the&nbsp;Rutaceae&nbsp;family, and the term \u2018lemon\u2019 refers to both the plant and the fruit. Yellow and generally oval in&nbsp;shape,&nbsp;it has a more or less thick and rough skin and a white inner layer, known as the albedo.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a&nbsp;favourable&nbsp;climate,&nbsp;<strong>the plant can flower and bear fruit several times a year<\/strong>: depending on the harvest period, the&nbsp;colour, juiciness and aromatic intensity of the fruit vary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"color:#194270\"><thead><tr><th>Type<\/th><th>Approximate\u00a0season<\/th><th>Colour\/characteristics<\/th><th>Ideal use<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Primofiore<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>October\u2013March\/April&nbsp;<\/td><td>Winter&nbsp;lemon,&nbsp;yellow,&nbsp;aromatic,&nbsp;juicy&nbsp;<\/td><td>Juice,&nbsp;dressings, desserts,&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;use&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bianchetto or&nbsp;Maiolino<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>April\u2013June&nbsp;<\/td><td>Spring&nbsp;lemon,&nbsp;paler,&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;<\/td><td>Sorbets, creams, drinks, light recipes&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Summer&nbsp;lemon&nbsp;or Verdello<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>June\/July\u2013September&nbsp;<\/td><td>Summer&nbsp;lemon, green or&nbsp;greenish-yellow&nbsp;rind&nbsp;<\/td><td>Granitas, cocktails,&nbsp;cold&nbsp;dishes,&nbsp;fish&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The main varieties of Italian lemons: characteristics and uses\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>There is a rich variety of Italian lemons<\/strong>: some are known for their abundant juice, others for their fragrant zest, and still others for their delicate&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;or their strong link to the local area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s&nbsp;explore the best-known varieties to discover their&nbsp;<strong>similarities,&nbsp;differences&nbsp;and main uses<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Femminello\u00a0Siracusano\u00a0PGI: the most widely grown Italian variety and the heart of\u00a0Polenghi\u00a0juice\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/femminiello-siracusano-1.webp\" alt=\"A whole lemon with a green leaf and a halved lemon, both with bright yellow skin, set against a white background.\" class=\"wp-image-1560\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5105791115232234;width:383px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The&nbsp;Femminello&nbsp;Siracusano&nbsp;is one of the most representative varieties in Italian lemon cultivation<\/strong>. Associated with the Syracuse Lemon PGI, this citrus fruit can produce lemons at various times of the year, depending on the flowering period.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The name \u2018Femminello\u2019 refers to the plant\u2019s fertility, as it&nbsp;is capable of flowering&nbsp;several times a year and producing fruit with a high juice content. The balance between juice, peel and essential oils makes it versatile: it can be used in sweet and&nbsp;savoury&nbsp;recipes, drinks, condiments, baked goods, ice cream and liqueurs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is precisely this native Sicilian variety that&nbsp;Polenghi&nbsp;Spinagallo&nbsp;showcases:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/en\/our-brands\/polenghi-spinagallo-products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polenghi Spinagallo\u2019s organic lemon juice<\/a>&nbsp;is made from the \u2018Femminello&nbsp;Siracusano\u2019 grown on the historic Fondo Spinagallo estate in Syracuse. A concrete example of how a local variety becomes the raw material for an everyday product.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amalfi Coast PGI Lemon: the lemon with the intense aromas of the Amalfi Coast<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/limone-amalfitano-1.webp\" alt=\"A wicker basket filled with Costa d'Amalfi PGI lemons, featuring an elongated shape and thick, wrinkled skin, with a halved lemon in the foreground showing its juicy pulp.\" class=\"wp-image-1562\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4992888417882142;width:394px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also known as&nbsp;<strong>Sfusato Amalfitano<\/strong>, it has a&nbsp;<strong>tapered elliptical shape, a medium-thick citrine-yellow peel rich in essential oils, and juicy, almost seedless flesh<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is the \u2018zest lemon\u2019<\/strong>: ideal for pastries, limoncello, candied fruit and creams, where its fragrance takes&nbsp;centre&nbsp;stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is grown on the terraces of the Amalfi Coast,&nbsp;benefiting&nbsp;from a mild climate and sea exposure.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sorrento Lemon PGI: the king of Campania\u2019s pergola-grown lemons<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/limone-sorrento-1.webp\" alt=\"Five Sorrento lemons arranged on a light wooden surface, with two sliced in half in the foreground to show the pale pulp and medium-thick rind.\" class=\"wp-image-1564\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5105791115232234;width:397px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Belonging to the&nbsp;Ovale&nbsp;di Sorrento<\/strong>&nbsp;(or&nbsp;Massese) ecotype, it is&nbsp;oval in shape, medium to&nbsp;large in size, with a peel rich in essential oils and very juicy flesh with high acidity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It grows in the traditional pergola-style lemon groves of the Sorrento Peninsula and the island of&nbsp;Capri<\/strong>, and&nbsp;is harvested by hand to preserve the peel.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect <strong>for limoncello, jams,\u00a0sorbets,\u00a0and desserts.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interdonato from Messina PGI: Italy\u2019s most delicate lemon<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Interdonato-di-Messina-1-1024x682.webp\" alt=\"A whole lemon next to several thin, overlapping slices, highlighting a pale yellow pulp and smooth skin.\" class=\"wp-image-1566\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5014869479017512;width:396px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compared to other varieties that are more aromatic or juicier, the<strong>&nbsp;Interdonato di Messina PGI&nbsp;<\/strong>is&nbsp;characterised&nbsp;by its delicate&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;profile. Originating from a natural hybrid between a citron and a lemon,<strong>&nbsp;it owes its name to Giovanni Interdonato<\/strong>, a&nbsp;<strong>colonel in Garibaldi\u2019s army&nbsp;<\/strong>who selected it in the Messina area in the 19th century.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is distinguished by its&nbsp;<strong>early ripening, thin skin, sweet&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;and moderate acidity.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is a lemon of gentle balance<\/strong>: excellent for eating fresh or paired with&nbsp;tea, when&nbsp;a touch of freshness is needed without overpowering other&nbsp;flavours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Femminello\u00a0del Gargano PGI: the scent of Puglia\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lemon cultivation has also reached Puglia<\/strong>. Rich in essential oils and highly fragrant, its shape varies with each flowering season (ellipsoidal, oblong, ovoid or globular). Compared to the\u00a0Femminello\u00a0Siracusano, which is<strong>\u00a0more\u00a0closely associated\u00a0with juice and processing, here it is the zest and aroma that matter<\/strong>: desserts, biscuits, jams, liqueurs, limoncello and fish dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Etna Lemon PGI and Rocca Imperiale Lemon PGI: the lesser-known gems\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although less well-known, there are two other lemon varieties that deserve attention: the&nbsp;<strong>Etna Lemon PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<strong>Rocca Imperiale Lemon PGI<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;<strong>Etna Lemon PGI&nbsp;<\/strong>is&nbsp;derived from the&nbsp;Femminello&nbsp;and Monachello varieties, with the typical seasonal types (Primofiore,&nbsp;Bianchetto,&nbsp;Verdello); the volcanic soils and microclimate define its&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;and aroma. Suitable for juice, granitas,&nbsp;drinks&nbsp;and fresh desserts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\u00a0<strong>Limone di Rocca Imperiale PGI<\/strong>, from Calabria, is elongated in shape, medium in size, with few seeds and plenty of juice. It has an intense and lingering aroma but a balanced, non-bitter\u00a0flavour: ideal for cakes, custards, delicate desserts and eating fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Procida Lemon\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not a PGI&nbsp;variety&nbsp;but a&nbsp;<strong>local variety included in Slow Food\u2019s Ark of Taste<\/strong>, known as the&nbsp;<em>\u2018bread lemon\u2019<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>due to the exceptionally thick and spongy white pith beneath the&nbsp;peel<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It turns the idea of the lemon as a juice fruit on its head: here, the albedo takes&nbsp;centre&nbsp;stage. Medium to&nbsp;large in size, elliptical in shape, with a tangy&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;and intense&nbsp;aroma,&nbsp;it is perfect served in slices, for example in a lemon salad.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a handy summary table to help you&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;the most interesting lemon varieties:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"color:#194270\"><thead><tr><th>Variety<\/th><th><strong>How to\u00a0recognise\u00a0it\u00a0<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Profile\u00a0<\/strong><\/th><th>Recommended\u00a0uses<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Femminello Siracusano PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Repeat-flowering, very juicy, linked to&nbsp;Primofiore\/Bianchetto\/Verdello&nbsp;<\/td><td>Versatile, fresh,&nbsp;aromatic&nbsp;<\/td><td>Juice, drinks, dressings, processed products&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Amalfi Coast PGI Lemon<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Tapered shape, fragrant rind, few&nbsp;seeds&nbsp;<\/td><td>Very aromatic&nbsp;<\/td><td>Pastry, zest, limoncello, candied peel&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sorrento Lemon PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Oval&nbsp;shape,&nbsp;rind&nbsp;rich&nbsp;in&nbsp;essential&nbsp;oils,&nbsp;very&nbsp;juicy&nbsp;<\/td><td>Intense,&nbsp;traditional,&nbsp;balanced&nbsp;<\/td><td>Limoncello, jams,&nbsp;sorbets, desserts&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Interdonato from Messina PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Thin&nbsp;rind,&nbsp;early&nbsp;ripening, moderate&nbsp;acidity&nbsp;<\/td><td>Delicate, mild&nbsp;<\/td><td>Tea, light desserts,&nbsp;creams&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Femminello del Gargano&nbsp;PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Yellow-citron&nbsp;rind,&nbsp;intense aroma,&nbsp;variable&nbsp;shape&nbsp;<\/td><td>Aromatic,&nbsp;persistent&nbsp;<\/td><td>Desserts,&nbsp;liqueurs, jams,&nbsp;fish&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Etna Lemon PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Femminello and Monachello,&nbsp;seasonal&nbsp;types&nbsp;<\/td><td>Fresh,&nbsp;regional,&nbsp;citrusy&nbsp;<\/td><td>Granitas,&nbsp;juice, drinks,&nbsp;dressings&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rocca Imperiale Lemon PGI<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Elongated&nbsp;shape,&nbsp;few&nbsp;seeds,&nbsp;abundant&nbsp;juice&nbsp;<\/td><td>Delicate,&nbsp;not&nbsp;bitter&nbsp;<\/td><td>Desserts,&nbsp;creams,&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;consumption&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Procida Lemon<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Large,&nbsp;thick&nbsp;albedo, &#8220;bread&nbsp;lemon&#8221;&nbsp;<\/td><td>Tart,&nbsp;fragrant,&nbsp;distinctive&nbsp;<\/td><td>Lemon\u00a0salad,\u00a0sliced\u00a0fresh\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lemon varieties around the world: the surprising facts you\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0expect\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As well as the seven Italian PGI varieties, the world of citrus fruits holds some intriguing varieties, which help us understand just how many nuances exist beyond the most common yellow lemon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meyer lemon: sweet and versatile, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/limone-mayer-1.webp\" alt=\"A group of three Meyer lemons on a white background, with one cut in half showing a juicy pulp and smooth, thin yellow-orange skin.\" class=\"wp-image-1568\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4992888417882142;width:379px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Meyer lemon<\/strong>&nbsp;is one of the most interesting international varieties to mention because it is&nbsp;very different&nbsp;from the classic Mediterranean lemon. According to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/citrusvariety.ucr.edu\/crc3737\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of California\u2019s Citrus Variety Collection<\/a>, it may be a&nbsp;<strong>hybrid between a lemon and an orange<\/strong>, introduced to the United States from Beijing in 1908 by the botanist Frank Meyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Round and compact, with smooth yellow-orange skin and pale&nbsp;flesh,&nbsp;<strong>it has a sweeter, milder&nbsp;flavour<\/strong>. Excellent for baked goods, custards,&nbsp;jams&nbsp;and cocktails.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The plant is compact and\u00a0ornamental, and\u00a0is also suitable for growing at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red lemon (Rosso di\u00a0Arqu\u00e0\u00a0Petrarca): an Italian rarity waiting to be rediscovered<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/limone-rosso-1.webp\" alt=\"An unusual whole and halved red lemon of Arqu\u00e0 Petrarca on a white background, featuring a rough, dark red-orange skin and yellow pulp inside.\" class=\"wp-image-1570\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4992888417882142;width:383px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The<strong>&nbsp;red lemon<\/strong>&nbsp;is often mentioned amongst Italy\u2019s curiosities; it is also known as: a rare and ornamental variety, prized&nbsp;above all for&nbsp;the&nbsp;colour&nbsp;of its fruit.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compared to the more common yellow lemon, it is distinguished by the&nbsp;<strong>colour&nbsp;variations of its peel&nbsp;<\/strong>and, in some cases, its flesh, which can take on&nbsp;<strong>pinkish,&nbsp;orange&nbsp;or reddish hues<\/strong>&nbsp;depending on ripeness and climatic conditions. The peel can be thick and wrinkled,&nbsp;containing&nbsp;essential oils, whilst the&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;tends to be&nbsp;more tart and intense.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than for widespread culinary use,&nbsp;<strong>the red lemon is of interest for its ornamental value and visual impact<\/strong>. It can be used in cooking in&nbsp;a similar way&nbsp;to the common lemon, but is&nbsp;mainly used&nbsp;in visually striking dishes, liqueurs, jams, candied fruit or as a decoration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buddha\u2019s Hand (Citrus medica var.\u00a0sarcodactylis): it is not a lemon, but it belongs to the family<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/mano-di-buddha-limone-1.webp\" alt=\"A bright yellow Buddha's hand citron with a few green leaves, characterized by long, finger-like projections.\" class=\"wp-image-1572\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.7391419054842858;width:395px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha%27s_hand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Buddha\u2019s Hand<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;is not a lemon but a citron<\/strong>, that is, a variety of<em>&nbsp;Citrus medica<\/em>. It is therefore a citrus fruit belonging to the&nbsp;Rutaceae&nbsp;family, like lemons, citrons,&nbsp;oranges&nbsp;and mandarins, but it is not a true variety of&nbsp;lemon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its main characteristic is its unusual shape:&nbsp;<strong>the fruit is divided into elongated segments resembling the fingers of a hand<\/strong>; the interior consists&nbsp;almost entirely&nbsp;of white pith, with no juicy pulp.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is not squeezed for juice<\/strong>: thanks to its intense fragrance, it is used for candied fruit, grated&nbsp;zest&nbsp;and liqueurs.<strong>&nbsp;In China and Japan, it has been a symbol of good fortune and long life for centuries.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to\u00a0recognise\u00a0different varieties of lemons: a comparison of shape,\u00a0peel\u00a0and juice\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;different varieties of lemons, look out for a few practical features:&nbsp;<strong>shape,&nbsp;colour, peel thickness, juice content, presence of seeds,&nbsp;flavour&nbsp;profile&nbsp;and harvest season.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bear in mind that&nbsp;colour&nbsp;should not be taken at face value:&nbsp;<strong>a green lemon is not necessarily&nbsp;unripe; it may simply be a \u2018verdello\u2019<\/strong>,&nbsp;i.e.&nbsp;a summer lemon. It is best to consider appearance,&nbsp;season&nbsp;and culinary use together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"color:#194270\"><thead><tr><th>Feature to\u00a0observe<\/th><th>What\u00a0it\u00a0indicates<\/th><th>Useful\u00a0examples<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Shape<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Distinguishes&nbsp;oval,&nbsp;tapered, or&nbsp;elongated&nbsp;lemons&nbsp;<\/td><td>Costa d&#8217;Amalfi&nbsp;tapered, Sorrento&nbsp;oval, Rocca Imperiale&nbsp;elongated&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rind<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Thickness, texture, and&nbsp;essential&nbsp;oils&nbsp;affect&nbsp;aroma and&nbsp;zest&nbsp;use&nbsp;<\/td><td>Amalfi and Gargano&nbsp;very&nbsp;aromatic, Procida with&nbsp;thick&nbsp;albedo&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Colour<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Can&nbsp;depend&nbsp;on&nbsp;variety, season, or&nbsp;ripeness&nbsp;<\/td><td>Verdello&nbsp;greenish-yellow, Meyer yellow-orange, red-tinged lemon&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Juice<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Indicates&nbsp;the best&nbsp;culinary&nbsp;use&nbsp;<\/td><td>Siracusano&nbsp;well suited to juicing, Sorrento juicy and aromatic&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Acidity<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Affects&nbsp;use in drinks, desserts, or&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;consumption&nbsp;<\/td><td>Interdonato&nbsp;milder, verdello&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;and&nbsp;citrusy&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Seeds<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Some&nbsp;varieties&nbsp;have&nbsp;few&nbsp;or&nbsp;almost&nbsp;none&nbsp;<\/td><td>Costa&nbsp;d&#8217;Amalfi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rocca Imperiale&nbsp;nearly seedless&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Harvest&nbsp;period<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><td>Can&nbsp;change&nbsp;colour, aroma, and&nbsp;intended&nbsp;use&nbsp;<\/td><td>Primofiore&nbsp;winter,&nbsp;Bianchetto&nbsp;spring, Verdello summer&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ about lemon varieties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many varieties of lemon are there?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no exact number:\u00a0<strong>there are many varieties of lemon, cultivars,\u00a0hybrids\u00a0and local ecotypes around the world<\/strong>. They differ in shape,\u00a0colour, the scent of the peel, juice content,\u00a0acidity\u00a0and harvest period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many types of lemon are there in Italy?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In Italy, there are seven\u00a0recognised\u00a0PGI lemon varieties<\/strong>: Siracusa, Costa\u00a0d\u2019Amalfi, Sorrento, Interdonato di Messina,\u00a0Femminello\u00a0del Gargano, Etna and Rocca Imperiale. In addition to these, there are local and traditional varieties, such as the Limone di Procida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which is the most prized Sicilian lemon?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It depends on the intended use<\/strong>. The\u00a0Femminello\u00a0Siracusano\u00a0is among the most highly regarded for its juice and versatility, the Interdonato di Messina for its delicate, less acidic\u00a0flavour, whilst the Limone\u00a0dell\u2019Etna\u00a0highlights its connection to the volcanic region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which lemon varieties are\u00a0cold-hardy?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The lemon is a Mediterranean plant and is sensitive to frost<\/strong>. Among the varieties best suited to harsher climates or to growing in pots, the Meyer lemon and the&nbsp;Lunario&nbsp;or Quattro Stagioni lemon are often mentioned, but they still need to be protected in winter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&nbsp;use&nbsp;lemons&nbsp;every&nbsp;day,&nbsp;often&nbsp;without&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;to&nbsp;wonder&nbsp;where&nbsp;they&nbsp;come from or&nbsp;what&nbsp;distinguishes&nbsp;one&nbsp;fruit&nbsp;from&nbsp;another&nbsp;in&nbsp;terms&nbsp;of&nbsp;flavour, aroma,&nbsp;colour&nbsp;and&nbsp;juice&nbsp;content.&nbsp;&nbsp; But\u00a0how\u00a0many\u00a0varieties\u00a0of\u00a0lemons\u00a0are\u00a0there\u00a0really?\u00a0There\u00a0is\u00a0no\u00a0exact\u00a0figure:\u00a0worldwide,\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0countless\u00a0varieties,including\u00a0cultivated\u00a0varieties,\u00a0hybrids\u00a0and\u00a0local\u00a0ecotypes,\u00a0which\u00a0are\u00a0difficult\u00a0to\u00a0count\u00a0definitively. In Italy,\u00a0however, the figure\u00a0is\u00a0clear:\u00a0there\u00a0are\u00a0seven\u00a0PGI\u00a0designations\u00a0dedicated\u00a0to\u00a0lemons.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In\u00a0this\u00a0article,\u00a0we\u00a0offer\u00a0an\u00a0overview\u00a0of the\u00a0main\u00a0varieties\u00a0of\u00a0lemons,\u00a0starting\u00a0with Italy\u00a0\u2013 a country with a long\u00a0tradition\u00a0of\u00a0citrus\u00a0cultivation\u00a0linked\u00a0to\u00a0its\u00a0specific\u00a0growing\u00a0regions.\u00a0This\u00a0heritage\u00a0is\u00a0also\u00a0celebrated\u00a0by\u00a0Polenghi\u00a0throughits\u00a0organic\u00a0and\u00a0natural\u00a0lemon\u00a0juice.\u00a0 The Italian lemon: why it is different from all the others\u00a0\u00a0 Citrus limon&nbsp;belongs to the&nbsp;Rutaceae&nbsp;family, and the term \u2018lemon\u2019 refers to both the plant and the fruit. Yellow and generally oval in&nbsp;shape,&nbsp;it has a more or less thick <a href=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/en\/italian-lemon-varieties\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Varieties of Italian lemons: a guide to the finest cultivars and their characteristics<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1557,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1558","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-senza-categoria"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Italian Lemon varieties: complete guide &amp; uses - Giancarlo Polenghi<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Italian lemon varieties: 7 PGI types, from Femminello Siracusano to Sfusato Amalfitano, with uses and how to identify them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/giancarlopolenghi.it\/en\/italian-lemon-varieties\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Italian Lemon varieties: complete guide &amp; uses - 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