Description
Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI is a fresh lemon deriving from the Femminello Comune variety, locally identified as Limone nostrale.
Production Area
The production area of Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI is within the entire territory of the municipalities of Vico del Gargano Ischitella and Rodi Garganico, in the Province of Foggia, in the Apulia region.
Production Method
The preparation of the soil is limited to tilling in springtime and fertilising, generally using organic fertilisers; alternatively, superphospate-based fertilisers can be used. The top is regularly pruned throughout spring, before vegetative growth, guaranteeing the necessary balance between vegetative and productive activity. Cultivating treatments continue protect the trees, both against adverse weather conditions, with the additional aid of windbreaks, and parasite attacks. The plants are watered in the period between May and October. Harvesting takes place by hand, with the aid of secateurs, and production must not exceed 35 tons per hectare. Artificial ripening of the fruit is not permitted.
Appearance and Flavour
Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI is distinguished by the amount of essential oils present in the rind and the very intense fragrance. The shape, size and weight of the fruit varies according to the different spring and autumn-winter blossoming. The shapes ranges from typically ellipsoidal/oblong to ovoid, and those which tend to be more spherical. It has a minimum diameter of 50 mm, weighs 80 gr or more, and has shiny citrus-yellow peel. Inside the flesh is yellow-green and very juicy.
History
The cultivation of citrus fruits in the production area of Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI dates back to the 11th century. Several documents tell of how Melo, the Prince of Bari, sent a certain number of fruits, including “lemon-coloured apples” from Gargano to Normandy, in a bid to entice several Norman pilgrims during the conquest of the region, offering proof of the richness of the region. At the end of the 17th century, Brother Filippo Bernardi described the Gargano landscape as being lush with “citrus fruit, which make the inhabitants rich thanks to the Venetians and Slav’s continuous trafficking when they come to load up with wine, oranges and lemons”. Furthermore, starting from the 18th century a long procession was carried out every year in honour of Saint Valentine, who was the elected patron saint of the citrus orchards on the Carmine hills, in order to bless the plants.
Gastronomy
Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI should be kept in the fridge or in a cool, dry place. It can be eaten fresh or as an ingredient in a variety of local dishes. It can be a tasty alternative to oily dressings for meat, fish and fried food. Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI is perfect for making preserves, marmalades and jams, and can also be used in the preparation of sweets, biscuits and desserts, as well as excellent liqueurs.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI. It is sold packed in rigid containers made of materials of plant origin, wood or cardboard, weighing between 1 and 25 kg.
Distinctive Features
The production area of Limone Femminello del Gargano PGI is characterised by pedoclimatic conditions that guarantee the persistence of the fruit on the tree, permitting producers to harvest year-round.
