November 29, 2024

Although we sent a quick Thanksgiving video yesterday from Sorrento, some of you asked to see more of this beautiful city on the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

 Like many towns along and near the Amalfi Coast, it clings to cliffs with winding switchbacks leading to small harbors. 

It is no surprise that the lemon is a symbol of Sorrento. Lemons grown in groves along the hillsides and cliffs around Sorrento have a particular thick and aromatic peel that is perfect for infusing liquor, resulting in Sorrento’s famous limoncello. The small storefronts along the cobblestoned path sell limoncello in decorative bottles of every size. They also sell lemon-infused oil, lemon cookies (with and without lemon crème), lemon candy and lemon chocolates. 

Leaving Sorrento I spotted this Umbrella Pine, or Pinus Pinea, which boasts a distinctive appearance that captures the imagination. Initially, in its youth, the tree presents as a bushy globe. As it matures, this globe transforms into an iconic umbrella-shaped canopy perched atop a slender trunk. This unique canopy spreads wide, reaching approximately 26 feet.

The Umbrella Pine has long been valued for more than its striking appearance. Historically, these trees have been integral to various aspects of Mediterranean life. Their seeds, known as pine nuts or ‘pignoli,’ are cherished in ancient and modern Roman cuisine, adding a unique flavor to dishes like pesto.

Thanks for travelling with us.