The IGP lemons of Rocca Imperiale, Calabria, Italy
Rocca Imperiale is particularly pleasant because it’s not just a seaside resort but also a genuine old Calabrian small town high up on a panoramic promontory about 200 meters above sea level. With a population of 3,500, the village is the gate to Calabria on the Basilicata border, yet just a 50-minute drive from Matera, Basilicata.
The lemon of Rocca Imperiale is as succulent as that from Sorrento. It earned its own Protected Geographical Indication recognition (IGP) and is sold on the mainland and exported to Northern Europe.
Naturally, such fruit is not waxed, and if you finely pare or grate its skin, you will release its intensely lemony aromatic oils. Rocca Imperiale's lemons are very rich in limonene that confers a sweet taste and intense scent.
Lemons are an especially valuable citrus fruit with regards to bringing down cholesterol levels. This is because of their high satisfaction with vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that has been displayed to diminish the risk of heart disease.