Lemons: that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Procida and its local specialties. You can see lemon trees all over the island, in orchards but also in small backyards. At first, I assumed they were grown for export, but the opposite turned out to be true. All the lemons are for personal use. In Procida, they make everything from and with lemons; from drinks such as limoncello to lemon pesto and from scented candles to lemon soaps. There are even a few shops on Procida where you can buy only lemon-based products.
Procida, island of lemons
This is how the Italian island of Procida is often called: the island of lemons. For centuries, almost every family on Procida has had its own lemon trees, primarily for personal use. Procida’s lemons are very large, much bigger than the ones we are familiar with. The white part under the skin is exceptionally thick, with a spongy texture that islanders compare to bread. That’s why the Procida lemon is also known as the bread lemon. These lemons are highly fragrant and pleasantly sour. On Procida, they are often eaten pure, sliced, sometimes with a little sugar but often without.
Procida dishes with lemon as an ingredient
It will not surprise you that lemon appears in many dishes. For example, spaghetti al pesto di limone (spaghetti with lemon pesto) is a dish frequently found on menus, along with lemon risotto and, of course, various fish dishes flavored with lemon. While having lunch at Il Pescatore (in my opinion, one of the best restaurants on Procida) they even served a salad made entirely of fresh lemon. Babà is a popular dessert on the island. This sponge cake is traditionally soaked in syrup and on Procida it is often infused with a lemon-based syrup.
Here are more lemon-infused dishes you can find on Procida:
- Linguine al limone: A pasta dish with linguine, lemon, cream, Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Coniglio al limone: A dish with rabbit cooked in a broth of fresh herbs and lemon.
- Insalata di mare al limone: A seafood salad with lemon, shrimp, squid, mussels, olive oil and parsley.
- Sgombro al limone: Baked mackerel with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and rosemary.
- Limoncello: A traditional liqueur made from lemon peels, alcohol, sugar and water.
- Pesce al cartoccio con limone: Fish prepared in papillote with lemon, tomato, olives, capers and white wine.
- Torta al limone: A lemon tart made from lemon juice, sugar, eggs and butter.
- Pollo al limone: Chicken breast with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and thyme.
Lingue dolci di Procida, local specialty
The most famous Procida specialty featuring lemon is undoubtedly lingue dolci di Procida, a puff pastry filled with lemon custard. The inhabitants of Procida love to eat lingue for breakfast, preferably with a cup of coffee. However, this popular pastry also makes for a delightful treat later in the day. You can find them at various places throughout the island, available throughout the day.
Shops on Procida with products made from lemon
On Procida, you will find several shops selling all kinds of lemon-based products. If you arrive by boat at Marina Grande, you will immediately spot a number of these shops just across the street. Among the lemon products available here are soaps, scented sachets, risotto, pasta, bottles of limoncello, candies and scented candles. You’ll also find many items shaped like a lemon or decorated with lemon motifs, such as magnets, postcards, bracelets, necklaces, coasters, keychains and much more.
In the shopping streets of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Principe Umberto, you’ll discover small shops offering lovely lemon-themed souvenirs. About halfway down the latter street, there is even a shop that exclusively sells lemon products; mainly edible and drinkable treats like pasta, dips, pestos, sweets, chips, snacks and beverages. These shops are a joy to explore!
