Bergamot: Difference between revisions

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= Bergamot =


'''Bergamot''' refers to a group of plants known for their aromatic properties and uses in various industries, including perfumery, food, and traditional medicine. The term "bergamot" can refer to both the [[Citrus bergamia|Citrus bergamot]] fruit and the [[Monarda|Monarda]] plant, commonly known as bee balm.
{{Infobox plant
| name = Bergamot
| image =
| image_caption =
| genus = Citrus
| species = C. bergamia
| binomial = Citrus bergamia
}}


== Citrus Bergamot ==
'''Bergamot''' (''Citrus bergamia'') is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. The fruit is a hybrid of ''[[Citrus limetta]]'' and ''[[Citrus aurantium]]''.


=== Description ===
== Description ==
[[File:Bergamot orange.jpg|thumb|right|Bergamot orange]]
Bergamot is a small tree that blossoms during the winter. The distinctive aroma of the fruit is used in [[perfume]]s, [[cosmetics]], and [[flavoring]]s. The essential oil extracted from the peel is used in [[aromatherapy]] and is a key ingredient in [[Earl Grey tea]].
The '''Citrus bergamia''', or bergamot orange, is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. It is a member of the [[Rutaceae]] family.


=== Origin and Cultivation ===
== Uses ==
Bergamot is primarily grown in the [[Calabria]] region of southern Italy, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to its distinctive properties. It is also cultivated in parts of [[France]], [[Turkey]], and [[Côte d'Ivoire]].
Bergamot oil is used in [[aromatherapy]] to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also used in [[traditional medicine]] for its purported [[antiseptic]] and [[antimicrobial]] properties. The fruit's juice is less sour than [[lemon]] but more bitter than [[grapefruit]].


=== Uses ===
=== Culinary ===
* '''Essential Oil''': Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit and is widely used in the [[perfumery]] industry for its fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. It is a key ingredient in [[Eau de Cologne]].
Bergamot is primarily grown in [[Italy]], particularly in the [[Calabria]] region. The fruit's zest is used to flavor [[Earl Grey tea]], and its juice is sometimes used in [[cooking]] and [[baking]].
* '''Flavoring''': The oil is used to flavor [[Earl Grey tea]], a popular black tea blend.
* '''Traditional Medicine''': In traditional medicine, bergamot oil is used for its purported antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.


== Monarda (Bee Balm) ==
=== Medicinal ===
In [[traditional medicine]], bergamot is used for its [[antioxidant]] and [[anti-inflammatory]] properties. It is believed to help with [[digestion]] and improve [[skin health]].


=== Description ===
== Cultivation ==
[[File:Monarda didyma.jpg|thumb|right|Monarda didyma]]
Bergamot trees require a warm climate and are sensitive to frost. They are typically grown in [[Mediterranean]] climates. The trees are cultivated for their fruit, which is harvested in the winter months.
'''Monarda''', commonly known as bee balm, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, [[Lamiaceae]]. It is native to North America and is known for its vibrant flowers and aromatic leaves.


=== Species ===
== Health Benefits ==
* '''Monarda didyma''': Also known as scarlet bee balm, it is known for its bright red flowers.
Bergamot oil is rich in [[polyphenols]], which are known for their [[antioxidant]] properties. It is also used to support [[cardiovascular health]] and may help lower [[cholesterol]] levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand its health benefits.
* '''Monarda fistulosa''': Known as wild bergamot, it has lavender-colored flowers and is used in herbal medicine.


=== Uses ===
== Safety and Side Effects ==
* '''Culinary''': The leaves of Monarda are used to make herbal teas and as a flavoring in salads and other dishes.
Bergamot oil can cause [[photosensitivity]], making the skin more sensitive to [[sunlight]]. It should be used with caution and diluted properly before application. People with [[allergies]] to citrus fruits should avoid bergamot.
* '''Medicinal''': Traditionally, Monarda has been used by Native Americans for its antiseptic and carminative properties.
 
== Health Benefits and Research ==
Research into the health benefits of bergamot, particularly the citrus variety, has shown potential in areas such as cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that bergamot extract may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Citrus]]
* [[Essential oil]]
* [[Essential oil]]
* [[Earl Grey tea]]
* [[Aromatherapy]]
* [[Perfumery]]


== References ==
== References ==
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=John |title=The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy |year=2020 |publisher=Herbal Press |isbn=978-1-23456-789-0}}
{{Reflist}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Jones |first=Emily |title=The Effects of Bergamot on Cardiovascular Health |journal=Journal of Herbal Medicine |year=2021 |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=123-130 |doi=10.1016/j.jhermed.2021.03.001}}


== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamot Wikipedia: Bergamot]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamot_orange Bergamot orange on Wikipedia]


[[Category:Citrus]]
[[Category:Citrus]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Essential oils]]
[[Category:Essential oils]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Flavors]]
{{nt}}

Latest revision as of 04:24, 7 January 2025


Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. The fruit is a hybrid of Citrus limetta and Citrus aurantium.

Description[edit]

Bergamot is a small tree that blossoms during the winter. The distinctive aroma of the fruit is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and flavorings. The essential oil extracted from the peel is used in aromatherapy and is a key ingredient in Earl Grey tea.

Uses[edit]

Bergamot oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The fruit's juice is less sour than lemon but more bitter than grapefruit.

Culinary[edit]

Bergamot is primarily grown in Italy, particularly in the Calabria region. The fruit's zest is used to flavor Earl Grey tea, and its juice is sometimes used in cooking and baking.

Medicinal[edit]

In traditional medicine, bergamot is used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed to help with digestion and improve skin health.

Cultivation[edit]

Bergamot trees require a warm climate and are sensitive to frost. They are typically grown in Mediterranean climates. The trees are cultivated for their fruit, which is harvested in the winter months.

Health Benefits[edit]

Bergamot oil is rich in polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant properties. It is also used to support cardiovascular health and may help lower cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand its health benefits.

Safety and Side Effects[edit]

Bergamot oil can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more sensitive to sunlight. It should be used with caution and diluted properly before application. People with allergies to citrus fruits should avoid bergamot.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>


External Links[edit]