Limoncello
Limoncello (Italian pronunciation: [limonˈtʃɛllo]) is an Italian lemon liqueur mainly produced in Southern Italy[1], especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri. It is also produced in Sicily, Sardinia, Menton in France, and the Maltese island of Gozo. Though there is debate about the exact origin of the drink, it is at least one hundred years old. [2] [3]
Traditionally, it is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons (also known as Sorrento lemons).[3] [4] Lemon zest, or peels without the pith, are steeped in grain alcohol until the oil is released. The resulting yellow liquid is then mixed with simple syrup. Clarity and viscosity are affected by factors like the relative temperatures of the two liquids. Most lemons, including the more-common Eureka lemon will produce satisfactory limoncello.
[edit] Serving
Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo. Along the Amalfi Coast, it is usually served in small ceramic glasses themselves often chilled, the Amalfi coast being a center of both ceramics[5] and limoncello production. This tradition has been carried into other parts of Italy.
Limoncello is the second-most-popular liqueur in Italy [4] but has recently become popular in other parts of the world. Restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are increasingly offering limoncello on their beverage and dessert menus. It is an increasingly popular ingredient in cocktails, as it imparts a strong lemon flavor without the sourness or bitterness of lemon juice.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Homemade Limoncello". Imbibe magazine. http://www.imbibemagazine.com/Homemade-Limoncello-Recipe. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
- ^ "Limoncello Citrus Liqueur Recipe Is Far From Lemonade". The Ledger. http://www.theledger.com/article/20080703/NEWS/807030426?p=1&tc=pg. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ a b "Taste of a thousand lemons". Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/features/la-fo-limoncello8sep08,0,771590.story. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ a b "When Life Gives Italians Lemons, They Make Limoncello". Rick Steves Europe. http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/limoncello.htm. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
- ^ "5 Ways to See Italy". Travel + Leisure. http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/5-ways-to-see-italy. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
