The lemon from Sorrento

The Ovale from Sorrento has a medium-thin epicarp (flavedo), a spongy mesocarp (albedo) and a juicy endocarp. Its shape is elliptical and symmetrical in winter fruits; its size may vary depending on the period of time the fruit matures on the tree, anyhow it has to be considered medium (more than 100 gr.). The penduncular lobe is slightly protuberant with a smooth, wide base.

The peduncle has a medium thickness and it is ca. 20- 35 mm . long; it is strongly jointed. The fruit apex is rounded, prominent and big. Lemon's peel is smooth, citrus-yellow and 2- 4 mm . thick with numerous pits containing volatile oil glands, responsible for the characteristic, marked odour and aroma given off when the peels are bruised or ground up.

Municipalities involved in lemon trees growing are the following: Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant'Agnello, Sorrento, Massalubrense and the island of Capri. According to very recent statistical data (ISTAT data), installations for lemon production stretch for a surface of ca. 600 hectares , with a total production of ca. 135.000 quintals.