limone

Limone is the Italian term for the lemon, the citrus fruit of the species Citrus limon. The fruit is typically yellow, with a sour juice and aromatic rind containing essential oils. The tree is evergreen, growing in warm, well-drained soils. The lemon is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and was transmitted to the Middle East and the Mediterranean in ancient times; it became widely cultivated in Europe after the Middle Ages and later spread globally through trade.

Lemons are used in cooking, baking, beverages, and as flavoring and garnish. The juice provides acidity; zest and essential oils are used for fragrance and aromatics. Nutritionally, lemons are a good source of vitamin C and contain small amounts of several other nutrients; they are low in calories. The fruit is often preserved by pickling or used to make marmalades and candied peels. The rind also has industrial applications in perfumes and cleaning products due to its high limonene content.

Limone also appears as a toponym in Italy for towns with citrus-linked history. For example, Limone Piemonte is a municipality in Piedmont, and Limone sul Garda is a town in Lombardy on Lake Garda; both are known tourist destinations for their scenery, mild climate, and access to outdoor activities.

In modern agriculture, Italy is among the leading lemon producers, alongside Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Lemon varieties include Eureka, Lisbon, and Meyer, each with distinct sweetness and acidity levels.