Interdonato Lemon - Fine or Special Fruit

PGI - Protected Geographical Indication

The story of the "Interdonato Lemon" started in 1875, when the hero of the Garibaldi's army, the colonel Giovanni Interdonato, selected this particular cultivar.
The fruits of this plant species stand out for their early ripening period, their big dimensions, the long and cylindrical shape, the conical protuberance on the top, a fair juice quantity, a very smooth skin and a light yellow color, which made it deserve the title of "limone speciale" (special lemon) or "fino" (fine).

Since the 19th century the "Interdonato Lemon" has symbolized the landscape of the entire Ionian belt in the province of Messina, which is called "terra dai giardini sempre verdi" (Land of the evergreen gardens); and the economy, the habits, the social structure, the events, the culture, the rituals, the traditions and the life rhythm as well.
In the Park the production area is situated in the municipalities of Taormina and Giardini Naxos. It is a dry-climate resistant tree, which ripens between September and October, when the market dose not offer other competitive products.
English persons particularly like this lemon because it enhances the taste of the tea without covering it. This fruit has a long shape and a prominent protuberance on the top, a smooth skin and it is rich in juice and Vitamin C.