The Lemon is a cross between two wild plants. It grows best on fertile soil in full sunlight between 15-30 degrees Celsius. The Lemon possesses a botanical peculiarity in that its white and violet flowers grow parallel to the fruits throughout the entire year. Lemon contains a high content of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. In addition, it has antibacterial, hypoallergenic and pain killing properties, and when consumed internally, it improves the digestion.

Weleda’s Sicilian cultivation partner, Francesco Salamita, describes his impression of standing below one of his lemon trees “like stars beneath a vault.” Francesco and Concetta Salamita manage the cooperative by the same name, which about 100 farms throughout the island have joined. Salamita exclusively cultivates bio-dynamic lemons.

The headquarters of Salamita are located in Barcellona, a small town along the northern coast of Sicily.  All of the produce from each of the individual farms comes together at this location before it is sent to its final destination. First, however, the lemons are washed under spring water with rotating brushes and then dried with little sponges. No artificial preservatives are used.

For the production of Lemon juice, which is used in Weleda Juices, Elixirs and medicines, the lemons are pressed and the juice is either deep-frozen or pasteurized and bottled aseptically delivered to Weleda. In addition to the juice, the essential oil of the Lemon is used to perfume a wide range of our personal care products. The oil is produced through a special procedure in which the lemons are pressed from the top, while fine razor blades carve into the peel. Through this method approximately 300 grams of essential oil is obtained from 300 kilograms of lemons.

back