The lemon of Etna obtained the name IGP

The European Commission has just registered the name "Limone dell’Etna" in the register of PGIs (Protected Geographical Indications). This brings the number of food specialties with geographical indication in Italy to 309.

 

 

 

The European Official Journal published the registration of 'Limone dell’Etna IGP'. This registration rewards a product that has been cultivated for more than 200 years using particular methods and which has unique characteristics. Its quality can be attributed to development and maturation in a very specific pedoclimatic environment with volcanic soils, typical of areas near the Etna volcano, and a climate tempered by the sea.

 

 

 

According to CREA-OFA-ACI (Centro di ricerca Olivicoltura, frutticoltura e agrumicoltura di Acireale) the "Limone dell'Etna" has an acidity greater than 5% and a juice yield greater than 25-30%, up to 34% than lemons grown in other parts of Sicily.

 

 

 

Femminello, first flower: harvest from September 15. Skin color varying from light green to citrine yellow, fruit elliptical in shape and weighing at least 90g, pulp ranging in color from light green to citrine yellow.

 

 

 

Feminello Bianchetto or maiolino: harvest from April 1st. Light yellow skin color; fruit elliptical or ovoid in shape, weighing at least 90 g and yellow pulp.

 

 

 

Feminello Verdello: harvest from May 15. Skin color varying from green to light yellow; fruit elliptical-spheroidal in shape; weight of at least 80 g and pulp light green to citrine yellow.

 

 

 

Monachello, first flower: harvest from October 15. Skin color varying from light green to citrine yellow; fruit elliptical in shape; weight not less than 90 g and light green to citrine yellow pulp.

 

 

 

Monachello Bianchetto or maiolino: harvest from April 1, light yellow skin; fruit elliptical or ovoid in shape; weight not less than 90 g and yellow pulp.

 

 

 

Monachello Verdello: harvest from May 15, skin color varying from green to light yellow; fruit elliptical-spheroidal in shape; weight not less than 80 g, the pulp is light green to citrine yellow.

 

 

 

The production area extends along the Ionian Sea-Etna area and includes the municipalities of Aci Bonaccorsi, Aci Castello, Aci Catena, Aci Sant'Antonio, Acireale, Calatabiano, Castiglione di Sicilia, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Giarre, Mascali , Piedimonte Etneo, Riposto, Santa Venerina, San Gregorio di Catania, Valverde, Zafferana Etnea.