Bergamot
Citrus bergamia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 3-4 m tall. It can be 12 m tall with a trunk 25 cm across. It has irregular branches. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are large and oval. The blade is 12 cm long by 6 cm wide. The flowers are small and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit are pear shaped and 10 cm across.

There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows best in full sun. It does not do well with either very wet or very dry soils. It needs a temperature above 7°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Cuba, Europe, France, Italy, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Mexico, Morocco, North Africa, Turkey, Türkiye, West Indies

How it is used for food

The oil from the peel is used in Earl Grey Tea. It is also used to flavour candy, baked goods, chewing gum and desserts. The very acid fruit are sometimes used for vinegar or lime juice. The flowers are used for making orange flower water.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Peel, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds, layering or cuttings.

The fruit is used for oil. It takes 200 kg of fruit to produce 1 kg of oil.

Its other names

Local names

Bargamaoty, Bergamet, Bergamota

Synonyms

Citrus aurantium L. subsp. bergamia (Risso & Poiteau) Engler; Citrus auratium L. var. bergamia (Risso & Poiteau) Wight & Arnott;