A taste of Sorrento
By Olivia Romano
You may think that wine is the most famous drink in Italy, but in Sorrento, there is another refreshment that more strongly represents southern Italian culture: limoncello!
Sorrento is well-known for its abundance of lemon trees, and these lemons provide an invigorating liquid that can be found on every corner of the city. Some of the liquor is made with milk for a creamier consistency. After meals, restaurants often offer complementary limoncello to sip while you pay the bill.
“Campania d’Amare” is just one of the many shops in Sorrento that provide local Italian products. Not only do they sell an assortment of sizes of limoncello bottles, but you can also purchase candies with limoncello in the center. Not sure which flavor you’ll like? Don’t worry! You can sample a few different kinds to find your perfect match.
When asked about “Campania d’Amare” employee Elena Mastellone said, “The best lemon in the world is born here in Sorrento because we have the sun and a special climate which is good for the lemon.”
Sorrento natives grow lemons on terraces, and the streets are lined with the trees. The area proudly displays the fruit on clothing and in artwork, as well.
“Limoncello from other places in Italy will taste different,” said Mastellone. The difference in the growth of lemons in other parts of Italy will create limoncello that has different tastes.
A variety of lemons grow even just on the Amalfi Coast. The two most common are the “sfusato amalfitano” and the “limone sorrentino.” The sfusato amalfitano is twice the size of other lemons!
The “limone sorrentino” is used to make lemon gelato in local gelaterias. If you make gelato yourself, remember to zest the lemon peel. The skin is the most flavorful part. Cool, creamy gelato with fresh lemon is the perfect treat on a hot summer day.
However, limoncello is not the only popular product in southern Italy. Locally-produced milk from buffalo farms is known for creating mouth-watering mozzarella. This mozzarella is a popular topping on pizzas, and can be found in all the local restaurants. It’s also often served with various meats and other cheeses.
A unique type of limoncello combines the traditional lemon liquor with this buffalo milk for a creamy, less bitter texture. This union of two local products results in a one-of-a-kind treat that contributes to Sorrento’s culture.
The distinct taste of limoncello from Sorrento creates an atmosphere that admires lemons. The flavors of Sorrento will burst in your mouth and entice you to ship the local products home.