Citrus myrtifolia

Citrus myrtifolia, the myrtle-leaved orange tree, is a species of Citrus with foliage similar to that of the common myrtle. It is a compact tree with small leaves and no thorns which grows to a height of three metres and can be found in Malta, Libya and in the Liguria, Tuscany, Sicily, and Calabria regions of Italy.

The fruit of the tree resemble small oranges. They are sour or bitter and are commonly called by their Italian name, chinotto. They are an essential flavoring agent of most Italian amari, of the popular Campari aperitif, and of several brands of carbonated soft drinks that are generically called "chinotto".

Citrus myrtifolia is sometimes planted in gardens. Due to its compactness, it can also be planted in a pot or other container.

Synonyms

References

Chinotto (soft drink)

Chinotto [kiˈnɔtto] is a type of carbonated soft drink produced from the juice of the fruit of the myrtle-leaved orange tree (Citrus myrtifolia). The beverage is dark in color. Its appearance is similar to that of cola, but it is not as sweet as cola, having a bittersweet taste.

The drink was known in antiquity as a dark hued, bitter tasting variant of orange juice, and was considered refreshment. Industrial production of Chinotto soda dates to the 1950s. It is produced in Italy by several companies, and is mostly consumed in Italy and Malta. San Pellegrino, the mineral water company, exports it under the brand name "Chinò." Coca-Cola produces it under the brand name "Fanta Chinotto" in Italy and "Fanta Amara" in Malta.

Origin

The origin of modern chinotto is unclear. San Pellegrino claims to have created it in 1932, and Neri claims to have made and marketed it first in 1949. Another important brand of chinotto was Recoaro, which was the best-selling chinotto soda in the 1950s.