WHOLESALE ITALIAN CEDRO LONDON

Heritage

Cedro holds a venerable position in citrus history as one of the original species from which all modern citrus descended. Native to northeastern India and cultivated for over 3,000 years, cedro reached the Mediterranean through ancient trade routes, arriving in Italy during the Roman Empire. The Romans called it “citrus medica” and valued it for medicinal properties as much as culinary applications.

Italy’s relationship with cedro centres on two remarkable growing regions. The Calabrian coast, particularly around the town of Santa Maria del Cedro in Cosenza province, produces the famous “Cedro di Calabria” with Protected Geographical Indication status. Here, centuries-old groves cling to coastal terraces where the Tyrrhenian Sea’s influence creates the mild microclimate cedro demands. The fruit cannot tolerate frost, requiring the protection of coastal valleys and careful cultivation.

The Amalfi Coast produces another celebrated variety, traditionally grown in terraced lemon gardens called “limoneti” where cedro trees share space with the region’s famous sfusato lemons. The “Cedro di Amalfi” features prominently in local liqueur production and traditional confectionery, with families guarding candying recipes passed through generations.

What makes wholesale Italian cedro truly special is the traditional cultivation methods preserved across generations. Trees can live for decades, with older specimens producing fruit of exceptional quality. The harvesting requires skill, as cedro must be picked at precisely the right moment when the pith develops maximum thickness and the aromatic oils reach peak concentration.

Nutritional Profile

Your health-conscious diners will appreciate what wholesale Italian cedro brings to the table:

• Extremely high in vitamin C – supporting immune function and collagen synthesis
• Rich in flavonoids – including hesperidin and diosmin with anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains limonene – a terpene compound in the peel with potential health benefits
• Good source of dietary fibre – particularly in the thick pith
• Provides antioxidants – helping combat oxidative stress
• Contains calcium and potassium – supporting bone health and blood pressure regulation
• Low in calories – while delivering concentrated aromatic compounds

The thick pith contains pectin and bioflavonoids concentrated in the white layer, making wholesale cedro valuable for both traditional preserves and contemporary health-focused preparations.

Chef’s Corner

Cedro delivers complex aromatic profile dominated by intense floral notes with resinous, pine-like undertones and subtle bitterness. Unlike lemons, cedro is not particularly acidic, with minimal juice offering mild tartness. When sourcing wholesale Italian cedro, look for fruits that feel heavy with firm, unblemished skin showing vibrant yellow colour and releasing fragrance when gently scratched.

Here’s how London chefs are making the most of this ancient citrus:

Candied Applications:

• Cut away minimal flesh, slice pith into strips, blanch to remove bitterness
• Slow-cook in sugar syrup over several days creating translucent jewel-like pieces
• Use candied cedro in panettone, cassata, and traditional Italian pastries
• Create luxury confections with crystallized pith
• Preserve in syrup for year-round availability

Zest and Oil Applications:

• Use microplane for fine zest with potent essential oils
• Infuse spirits like grappa, vodka, or gin with cedro’s floral character
• Create syrups and creams capturing the fruit’s aromatic essence
• Zest over finished dishes for intense citrus perfume
• Make cedro-infused oils for dressings and marinades

Preparation Tips: A single cedro might weigh 500g to over a kilogram with 70-80% being pith. Blanch pith multiple times to control bitterness levels—more blanching creates milder flavour. The oils are extremely concentrated, so small amounts provide intense flavour. Store whole cedro at cool room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for a month. The thick skin protects the interior remarkably well. Save seeds for making pectin as they contain high concentrations. Understanding these techniques helps you maximize the value of your wholesale Italian cedro order.

Complementary Ingredients

Building dishes around wholesale Italian cedro? These pairings work brilliantly:

• Almonds and pistachios – nuts traditionally paired in Italian pastries
• Honey and sugar – sweetness balancing and highlighting floral notes
• Vanilla and cardamom – warming spices complementing cedro’s perfume
• Ricotta and mascarpone – mild dairy showcasing citrus without competition
• Dark chocolate – bitter-sweet combinations that work beautifully
• White fish and shellfish – delicate proteins enhanced by subtle citrus perfume
• Gin and vodka – spirits that capture cedro’s complex aromatics
• Olive oil – particularly delicate varieties for savoury applications

We can coordinate your specialty Italian ingredient order when you buy wholesale Italian cedro from Rushtons.

Wholesale Italian Cedro from Rushtons

As one of the most historically significant and aromatically complex citrus fruits in our wholesale range, Italian cedro helps you create dishes and confections with flavours unavailable from any other ingredient. We work with traditional Calabrian and Amalfi growers who maintain the careful cultivation methods cedro demands.

What makes ordering wholesale Italian cedro from Rushtons the right choice?

• Authentic Calabrian and Amalfi varieties from protected growing regions
• Peak season availability from October through January
• Traditional cultivation methods ensuring thick pith and concentrated oils
• Expert guidance on preparation for both sweet and savoury applications
• Perfect coordination with other Italian specialty ingredients
• Six-day-a-week delivery across London

Often called “the ancestor of citrus” for its ancient lineage, wholesale Italian cedro brings historical significance and unique aromatic complexity to menus.

Browse our fresh produce wholesale collection to explore our complete range of Italian citrus and Mediterranean specialty ingredients.

Ring us to check wholesale Italian cedro availability and pricing. This is limited-production ingredient with weather-dependent harvests, so advance coordination ensures access when these remarkable fruits are at their finest. We deliver throughout London six days a week, bringing you authentic Italian specialty produce. BBC Good Food celebrates cedro as an essential element of traditional Italian pastry and confectionery, highlighting its unique structure and historical importance.