The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit

by Helena Attlee

Overview

A unique culinary adventure through Italian history

The Land Where Lemons Grow is the sweeping story of Italy's cultural history told through the history of its citrus crops. From the early migration of citrus from the foothills of the Himalayas to Italy's shores to the persistent role of unique crops such as bergamot (and its place in the perfume and cosmetics industries) and the vital role played by Calabria's unique Diamante citrons in the Jewish celebration of Sukkoth, author Helena Attlee brings the fascinating history and its gustatory delights to life.

Whether the Battle of Oranges in Ivrea, the gardens of Tuscany, or the story of the Mafia and Sicily's citrus groves, Attlee transports readers on a journey unlike any other.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781581572902
Publisher:	Countryman Press, The
Publication date:	02/02/2015
Pages:	264
Sales rank:	302,653
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Helena Attlee is the author of many gardening books and has contributed articles to numerous magazines. She leads garden tours around the world.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ix

Citrus Crops in Italy xi

The Scent of Lemons 1

Curious Fruit: Citrus collectors in Renaissance Tuscany Cooking for the Pope 5

Cooking for the Pope 28

Golden Apples: A case of taxonomic havoc 35

A Day in Amalfi 41

One of the Sunniest Places in Europe: Sicilian lemons, 'like the palefaces of lovers…' 47

Antiscorbutiks 62

A Golden Sow! of Bitter Lemons: Extraordinary wealth on Sicily's west coast 67

Sicilian Marmalade Kitchen 85

Oranges Soaked in Sunsets: Blood oranges in the shadow of Mount Etna 91

The Bunt of the Litter: Liguria's cosseted chinotti 105

The Sweet Scent of Zagara 125

Dogged Madness: Limonaie on Lake Garda 129

Battling with Oranges in Ivrea 145

Green Gold: Calabria and the most valuable citrus in the world 153

Unique Harvest: On the Riviera dei Cedri 177

Notes 209

Places to Visit 221

A Citrus Chronology 227

Selected Reading 233

Index 239