 istorical evidence dates the existence of lemon groves on the Amalfi Coast back to the early 11th century. The proliferation of lemon groves along the coast, however, is generally attributed to the discovery of the beneficial effects of this vitamin C-rich citrus fruit against scurvy. Several writers and poets have sung the praises of the "lemon gardens" of the Amalfi Coast. In one of those writings, dating back to the 17th century, the author mentions "limon amalphitanus" and gives an account of its characteristics that are surprisingly similar to those of the present-day Amalfi lemons. Also in the 17th century, Matteo Camera, an Amalfi-born historian, writes that as early as in the 15th century, lemons were shipped from Minori, a gorgeous fisherman's village south of Amalfi proper, to other parts of Italy. Camera tells us that the shipments included also "limoncelli" and "cetrangoli," bitter oranges.The lemon variety that is currently grown on the Amalfi Coast is called "Sfusato Amalfitano." It can be distinguished by its pointed shape -- whence its name Sfusato, a corruption of the Italian word affusolato. The Sfusato has a pale yellow rind and an intense aroma deriving from its essential oils. It has an acidic, juicy pulp and very few seeds. On the Amalfi Coast, lemons are grown on tiny strips of terraced land overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. They are harvested several times during the year. But the best citrus fruits are those picked from March to July. Besides being picturesque, lemon groves also play a fundamental role in the hydrogeological protection of the land here, which is often so steeply slanted that it is hard to imagine how they managed to plant trees in it. The "Divine Coast" -- as some people call the Amalfi Coast - owes a great deal of its attraction to the beauty and scent of these lemon groves, which the locals have always referred to as their "gardens."
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