8. Tramonti: Path of the Lemons - Formichelle Trail Trip
The Path of the Formichelle winds along 8km between Tramonti and Minori. You pass through villages, vines, terraces and ancient mule tracks that in the 19th century were traveled by tireless women who transported local products and especially lemons, like industrious ants.
During the route, which is quite easy, the guide will show hikers the history of one of the products at the base of the gastronomic tradition of the Amalfi Coast, namely the PGI "Sfusato Amalfitano" lemon. This citrus fruit, also the protagonist of the Path of Lemons which instead connects Minori and Maiori, was known since the times of the Republic of Amalfi and, thanks to commercial exchanges, reached all the countries of the Mediterranean and also Arabia. It was the Arabs who renamed what was known only as citro in "Limunzello" and highlighted its uses, even in the medical field.
The Path of the Formichelle is a tribute to women who over the centuries have distinguished themselves for the self-denial with which they have allowed the transport of local products, particularly lemons, through the roughness of the territory. We are talking about a story that has lasted since the dawn of time, which is still present in the historical memory of the inhabitants of this magnificent part of Italy today.
The cultivation of Sfusato Amalfitano PGI takes place on terraces called macerine, with the saplings placed under the scaffolding made using chestnut wood. It is a large lemon, with an elliptical shape, without seeds and a smooth, very fragrant peel that represents the richest part of oil glands, essential oil and ascorbic acid. It can be consumed to flavor other dishes but it is also excellent tasted natural, perhaps by pouring a pinch of sugar or salt over it.
It starts at 15:00 from the hamlet of Paterno Sant'Elia, meeting point in front of the Church with arrival in Minori at the Sal de Riso pastry shop, where you can taste the traditional Delizia a Limone. Return to Tramonti by private bus. The length is 7 km with a travel time of about 4 hours.