Bergamot, a fruit with a thousand properties
Bergamot is not a fruit that is very easily found on the market, in fact this fruit grows 90% in Italy, but in a very limited area, the Costa dei Gelsomini in the province of Reggio Calabria.
If we plant a seed of this fruit we will not have a bergamot plant, but a bitter orange and it is assumed that thanks to a mutation this was created
A PDO product
An essential oil with multiple properties is extracted from the peel of this citrus fruit, so much so that today the essence has been awarded the PDO mark
The essence has been known for many years and is used especially in perfumery.
The best perfumes use this essence as a fixative and even today there is no product, even synthetic, that can replace it.
The cooking recipes
Edible bergamot oil is used as a flavoring in foods and drinks.
Bergamot is used to flavor tea.
Earl Gray is the typical tea flavored with the peel of this citrus fruit.
On the market we can also find jams made with juice and peel.
Honey with the essence and 100% pure juices or soft drinks with a juice concentration that can vary from 50 to 12%.
Use of essential oil
Bergamot’s distinctive citrus scent is used in both male and female personal care products.
It is found in perfumes, cologne, toiletries, and cosmetics.
Acne, skin and hair
Bergamot oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is effective for acne in people who do not have sensitive skin.
Its analgesic qualities can also make it effective against painful cysts, pimples and it can also be soothing for irritated scalp.
Inflammation, cholesterol and food poisoning
Linalool and carvacrol are present in bergamot oil.
In one study, both linalool and carvacrol were found to have analgesic, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory abilities.
Linalool can also be effective in destroying the types of bacteria responsible for foodborne illness.
Other studies have found that the flavonoids found in this citrus fruit can help reduce blood cholesterol levels
Risks of using bergamot essential oil
Bergamot essential oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
It can also cause photosensitivity and should not be left on the skin when exposed to sunlight.
