The Bergamot

Giving aromatic notes to citrus perfumes. The Italian name "bergamotto" comes from the Turkish word "bey armudu" which means "pear of the Bey". The Bey was used as a title of respect in the Ottoman Empire, something like the English Sir.

Bergamot -Citrus bergamia- is a citrus fruit with a rough pear shape and whose interior is divided into segments. It has a sour taste -which is why its juice is not used- and has a very aromatic skin from which the essential oil of bergamot is extracted.The production of this species is concentrated in the province of Reggio Calabria, in Italy, and is the symbol of the entire province; it is also cultivated in Spain, Argentina and Brazil.

It is well known for its use as a flavoring agent in black tea varieties such as Earl Grey tea and in confectionery -there are delicious jams made with this fruit-. In haute cuisine they are beginning to experiment with bergamot; chef Dabiz Muñoz has used it in some of his most sophisticated dishes.

But its best-known uses are in perfumery, for its ability to combine with a wide range of scents with which it complements perfectly: it is estimated that one third of men's perfumes and half of women's perfumes contain bergamot essential oil.

It was one of the original components used in Eau de Cologne, created in the German city of Cologne -from which it derives its name-. And in the early 18th century it was first used to make the perfume "Eau de Toilette"; the essence was obtained by pressing the pulp against sponges that were impregnated with the oil.

In aromatherapy it is also very appreciated for its therapeutic properties to treat depression and as aid in digestion and in the treatment of acne; but it also has its contraindications: it is photosensitive so its use is not recommended when sunbathing.

Bergamot: a full-bodied fruit, with a fresh and stimulating aroma that is a fundamental essence in the production of perfumes and that has managed not to go out of fashion throughout history.