Bergamot Orange Tree

Because of its super high acidity and bitterness, bergamot lends itself to multiple uses in the kitchen and makes for a good substitute for a variety of citrus, from oranges to lemons and limes. And because of the intensity of flavor from skin to pith to flesh, you can use the whole fruit.

Can you grow bergamot orange?

It is possible to grow bergamot from seed, but it also grows well from cuttings if you do know someone else with a tree. Follow general citrus tree guidelines when caring for a bergamot orange. Choose a sunny spot protected from the wind and provide 12 to 24 feet (3.6 to 7.3 meters) of space from other trees.

Where do bergamot oranges grow?

The bergamot is a citrus fruit native to southern Italy. Production is mostly limited to the Ionian Sea coastal areas of the province of Reggio di Calabria in Italy, to such an extent that it is a symbol of the entire city.

Can you buy bergamot oranges in the US?

However, if you are looking to buy them, you don't have to travel to Italy (although it does sound like it would be fun) in order to get some for your very own. You can now buy California grown bergamot sour oranges from Pearson Ranch, right here in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley!

Why do people not eat bergamot?

The flesh tastes the same way it smells: tart, acidic, highly fragrant, and spicy. But unlike other citrus fruits, it cannot be eaten fresh. Bergamot oranges are sour, despite the fact that the fruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, and A.

Why can't you eat bergamot?

According to Alan Davidson's The Oxford Companion to Food (2nd ed.), unlike its other orange cousins, bergamot is too bitter to be eaten raw. So it is grown specifically for its fragrant oil, although it tastes better candied, in preserves, marmalades, and tea.

Will bergamot survive winter?

Also referred to as Oswego tea, horsemint, and bergamot, it grows well in zones 3-9. Bee balm self sows in the garden and requires very little care year to year. Bee balm can die down completely to the ground during the cold season, but it will come back in the spring.

Is bergamot grown in USA?

Native to the entire continental United States, with the exception of California and Hawaii, Wild Bergamot is an easy to grow perennial that mixes effortlessly with other summer blooming natives such as Swamp Milkweed.

Is bergamot hard to grow?

Growing Conditions for Wild Bergamot Wild bergamot is so easy to grow because it's a member of the mint family, which is notorious for being so prolific it's almost a pest if not controlled by the gardener.

What part of bergamot is edible?

Leaves, stems and flowers of Wild Bergamot are edible. They can be used as a garnish or in salads raw or cooked. Leaves are used to make tea and as a garnish.

What does orange bergamot smell like?

Some describe the smell of bergamot as halfway between lemon and orange — imagine the sourness of lime combined with the sweetness of orange — but more mellow and rounded.

Can you drink bergamot juice?

If you love bright, citrus flavors, you will love the refreshing taste of bergamot. Combining the best flavor qualities of orange, lemon and grapefruit, our bergamot juice is a grown-up drink perfect for any time of day. Add a few tablespoons to still or sparkling water for a refreshing aperitif.

What are the side effects of citrus bergamot?

Health Risks of Bergamot Some people experience side effects like dizziness, muscle cramps, and heartburn when they take bergamot with food. Blood sugar issues. Bergamot may cause your blood sugar to drop. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar might reach unsafe levels.

Does citrus bergamot affect blood pressure?

Teams studying these compounds have found that they positively impact blood pressure and blood lipid levels. The buzz around bergamot research caught the attention of US supplement maker Ortho Molecular Products, which launched a new Bergamot Bioactive Polyphenolic Fractions (BPF) product in December 2016.

Can you take citrus bergamot every day?

How much citrus bergamot should I take? You should take between 500 to 1000 milligrams of Citrus bergamot per day. We recommend starting with 500 milligrams daily and gradually increasing the dose up to 1000 milligrams if needed.

What does bergamot do to the brain?

When used in aromatherapy, bergamot oil has been found to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, key hormones that regulate mood. Inhaling bergamot oil can stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), which helps regulate mood.

Is bergamot hard on the liver?

Bergamot flavonoids were found to stimulate lipid metabolism and prevent accumulation of pathogenic fat in the liver by promoting its elimination through autophagy. Researchers also found that BPF prevented inflammatory changes in the liver, suggesting a slowed progression of NASH.

Can bergamot be toxic?

Bergamot EXTRACT is possibly safe when taken as a medicine, short-term. Side effects of bergamot extract are usually mild and might include heartburn. When applied to the skin: Bergamot oil is possibly unsafe. It might harm the skin.

How do you use bergamot medicinally?

The plant has a wide variety of medicinal uses. The Ojibwe put a wad of chewed leaves of this plant into their nostrils to relieve headache. The tops of the plant were dried and used as a sternutatory for the relief of colds. The leaves were placed in warm water baths for babies.

Can you drink too much bergamot tea?

While a moderate intake of bergamot tea is safe for most people, excessive intake may lead to muscle cramps, cause caffeine jitters, or reduce iron absorption.