Bergamot is a type of orange with a bitter smell. Its colour is not bright yellow, but slightly orange, its flesh is juicy, its taste is sour, floral, sweeter than lemon, it is often called "sweet lemon". Its smell is reminiscent of the popular Earl Gray tea, not by chance, as it is prepared with the addition of bergamot. It was named after Bergamo, an Italian (Lombardy) city. Native to Southern Europe and Asia, it belongs to the Rutaceae family.
Bergamot oil was already an important part of Italian medicine in the 16th century, mainly due to its bactericidal and antipyretic effects. At the time of Napoleon, it was mostly used for making perfumes, and the main component of the classic eau de cologne was bergamot (it also contained rosemary, bitter orange and orange blossom).
Bergamot oil is very effective in the treatment of mouth, skin, respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as appetite control.
- Type of plant: created by grafting different citrus fruit; a huge tree with smaller, orange-like fruit.
- Geographical origin: Italy (originally from Asia).
- Its oil can be extracted: from the peel of the fruit; its oil is greenish-yellow.
- Its effects in brief: antidepressant, antiseptic, balancing, calming, refreshing, uplifting, sedative for the nervous system, wound healing, digestion aid, insect repellent.
Recipes with bergamot:
How to make bergamot marmalade?
Bergamot custard cups
