The Sorrento Lemon , known for its irresistible scent, is one of the treasures of the Italian Mediterranean coast. This citrus fruit is much more than a simple culinary ingredient: it is a symbol of tradition, culture and beauty. In this article you will discover its origins, the characteristics that make it special and why it is a precious ingredient for Cosmetics and its Neurocosmetic action .
Origins of the Sorrento Lemon
The lemon is a true symbol of the Mediterranean areas of Italy, but to find its origins we have to go to the Far East .
In fact, in China, India and in the Mesopotamian civilizations it was known for its antiseptic, antirheumatic and tonic properties . It was introduced into the Mediterranean basin by the Greeks who called it " Media apple " because it came from Media, a country near Persia. According to Theophrastus, Aristotle's student, the Greeks used to grow lemon trees near olive trees to protect them from parasites.
For many years it was thought that the Romans knew neither the plant nor the fruit. but in 1952, during excavations in Pompeii, “the House of the Orchard” was brought to light, the walls of which are entirely painted with fruit trees, including two lemon trees laden with fruit.
From this discovery and from historical documents, it can be assumed that the lemon was transplanted and acclimatized in Campania already in the first century AD, more precisely, in the Sorrento area from 1500 AD.
In 2000, the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recognition was obtained, which protects the unique natural heritage of the Sorrento Lemon.
What are the characteristics of Sorrento lemons?
The Sorrento Lemon is known for its unique characteristics that distinguish it from all other lemons. Here are some of the main ones:
▪️ Shape and Appearance : The Sorrento Lemon has an oval shape with a thick and wrinkled peel. The peel has a bright yellow color and can vary from light yellow to intense yellow. From this it is possible to extract the lemon essential oil rich in properties.
▪️ Intense Aroma : One of the distinctive features of the Sorrento Lemon is its intensely aromatic scent. When the peel is broken, it releases a fresh and lively aroma that is a mix of citrus freshness and slightly sweet notes.
▪️ Balanced Flavor : The pulp has a balanced flavor that makes it recognizable and different from any other lemon.
▪️ High Juice Content: The Sorrento Lemon contains a high quantity of juice which makes it ideal for the production of juices, desserts and drinks such as the famous limoncello.
▪️ Rich in Vitamin C : Like all lemons, Sorrento lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
▪️ The essential oil extracted from this lemon is NOT photosensitive and is naturally free of furocoumarins.
Where can it be grown?
The IGP certification makes the Sorrento Lemon cultivable only in the municipalities of the Sorrento Peninsula : Massa Lubrense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant'Agnello, Sorrento, Vico Equense, as well as on the island of Capri, with the two municipalities of Capri and Anacapri.
In the 4th century AD, according to the testimonies of the Salerno Medical School, lemon was widely used for therapeutic purposes thanks to its innumerable virtues, in fact until 1500 the use of lemon was intended only for the medical field.
Luce di Sorrento was born in the Sorrento Peninsula from the history of our family, which since 1923 has dedicated itself with passion to the cultivation of this magnificent fruit, protecting biodiversity and promoting the cultivation of Sorrento lemons as a natural and unique heritage.
The lemon represents and enlivens this territory: its color recalls the brightness of the sun that kisses this land, its therapeutic properties are a viaticum for the body and spirit, its sweet and intense flavor awakens the senses.
Why Sorrento Lemon is Great in Cosmetics
Sorrento Lemon is rich in vitamin C and mineral salts and the peel is very fragrant due to the high concentration of essential oils. Here are some of the reasons why Sorrento Lemon essential oil is present in all our products:
▪️ Natural antibacterial, healing and purifying : makes cosmetics perfect even for oily and acne-prone skin.
▪️ Illuminating : the innovative LemonLux® complex, a precious elixir based on Sorrento Lemon Essential Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Sorrento Peninsula, makes the complexion brighter and more beautiful.
▪️ Natural exfoliant : the innovative active LemonLight® extracted from the peels of Sorrento lemons through an enzymatic process has strong hydrating properties. Furthermore, it guarantees a delicate exfoliation; therefore also ideal for sensitive skin and skin with dermatitis .
▪️ Antioxidant : the high concentration of Vitamin C and thanks to our active Light-C® Liposomes guarantees an intense action in counteracting skin aging.
▪️ Aromatherapy : Lemon essential oil provides calm and reduces stress and anxiety.
▪️ Antiaging : it is a powerful natural antioxidant and therefore also ideal for skin during menopause .
▪️ Brightening : toalso combat skin blemishes.
▪️ The essential oil obtained from the Sorrento Lemon through a slow steam extraction process is NOT photosensitive as it is naturally free of furocoumarins.
All our Luce di Sorrento cosmetics contain Sorrento lemon essential oil extracted through steam distillation for over 6 hours to obtain the purest molecules with a double action: brightness on the skin and a relaxing effect on the mind .
We are waiting for you in our e-commerce to discover all our products and start your sensorial skincare!
