Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia – Plant Family: Rutaceae
Bergamot
Type of plant: Small tree growing to 15 feet, with white star-shaped flowers and small yellow-green citrus fruits
Part used: Rind of fruit
Method of extraction: Cold expression then distillation
Data: Bergamot is the main flavoring in Earl Grey tea. It’s also widely used in eau de cologne. It was named after the north Italian town of Bergamo but is mainly produced in southern Italy. There is an annual herb that is also called bergamot (Monarda didyma) but is unrelated to bergamot essential oil. “FCF” indicates the oil is bergapten- or furocoumarin-free.
Principal places of production: Ninety percent of the world’s crop is produced in the Reggio di Calabria region of Italy or on the nearby island of Sicily.
When buying look for: A green liquid with a fruity, fresh citrus aroma, with spicy floral undertones
Therapeutic properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic,
antispasmodic, calmative, carminative, febrifuge, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary
Therapeutic uses: Infections, fevers, indigestion, cystitis, wounds, acne, herpes sores, depression, stress, tension, insomnia, fear, emotional crisis,
convalescence; emotional strengthening
Blends well with: Bay (West Indian), black pepper, cananga, chamomile maroc, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, immortelle, jasmine, lavender, lavender (spike), magnolia flower, mandarin, myrtle, neroli, nutmeg, orange (sweet), rose absolute, rosemary, rose otto, sandalwood, spikenard, tea tree, thyme linalol, vetiver, ylang ylang
Precautionary advice: Photosensitizer; do not apply to the skin prior to sun exposure. Rectified bergamot FCF is a nonphotosensitizer. GRAS status.