The European Union has granted protected geographical indication (PGI) status to lemons grown in the region of Amalfi south of Naples, Italy, because of their exceptional aroma and flavour. Like the lemons of nearby Sorrento and the isle of Capri, the Amalfi variety are customarily trained on high (at least 10 feet) wooden trellises (usually of chestnut), over which straw mats or screens are stretched to protect the fruit and assure even ripening.

The lemons are elliptical and medium to medium-large in size, weighing at least 2.8 ounces. The flesh is pale yellow and yields a large quantity of juice with an elevated level of acidity. Orchards may not contain more than 344 trees to the acre and maximum production is fixed at 14.2 tonnes an acre.

Used in numerous food preparations, the lemons are a principal ingredient of Limoncello, a liqueur that has enjoyed growing success on foreign markets, especially in the US.

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