Bergamot: origin

The bergamot plant , "citrus bergamia", is a citrus fruit whose origin is unknown, which is why it has been the subject of numerous controversies. According to some authors, bergamot is native to the Canary Islands, according to others it comes from the Middle East, in fact the etymology of the word "bergamot" itself could derive from the Turkish language. According to other hypotheses, the bergamot plant would actually be native to Calabria, where it would have originated following a mutation of another species of citrus fruit. Today, one of the most accredited theories is that it derived from a cross between a lime and a bitter orange.
The presence of the bergamot plant has however been confirmed on the Ionian coast of the province of Reggio Calabria around the 16th century, where today its cultivation is strictly limited.

The bergamot plant: characteristics

The bergamot plant has a modest vigor compared to other citrus fruits and reaches a maximum of 4-5 meters in height, with a variable vegetative habit (expanded or ascending). The trunk is similar to that of other citrus species, with many irregular ramifications. The branches are rather fragile and devoid of thorns.
The flowers (called “zagara”) of the bergamot are white with a very strong scent. They bloom in April but a second bloom in autumn is also possible.

The bergamot fruit

The bergamot fruit is spherical in shape, with slightly flattened poles and medium or large in size, between that of an orange and a grapefruit; it also has a color that, depending on ripeness, ranges from green to yellow. The peel (flavedo) has a medium thickness and is rich in oil glands that contain the essential oil. The pulp of the bergamot is spongy and green/yellow in color with a very acidic juice. The bergamot fruit is characterized by numerous properties : it is in fact rich in Vitamin C and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke, etc.). Furthermore, it is particularly recommended for those who suffer from diabetes.

Bergamot Cultivar

There are three different cultivars of bergamot:

“Castagnaro”: represents the most rustic bergamot cultivar , most resistant to wind and longest-lived. It presents an alternating fruiting and irregular fruits both in shape and size, with a fair quality and yield of bergamot essence .

“Fantastico”: the plant is large and vigorous. It is a variety that presents a high and regular production of bergamot fruits , characterized by a high quality of the essence. It presents a good environmental adaptability.

“Femminello”, the “Femminello” bergamot plant is characterized by a reduced vigor and an expanded crown. The fruiting is not alternating with bergamot fruits regular in both shape and size. Furthermore, the fruits are characterized by a thin skin but with a high quality of bergamot essential oil . The plant is more delicate and has a lower adaptability than other bergamot cultivars.