Calabrian Bergamots
Organic Calabrian bergamots from the plant directly to your home with delivery within 48 hours in most Italian locations: this is what our company aims to do so that the product arrives at its destination freshly picked and genuine. Bergamot is harvested from November to early February.
Calabrian Bergamot: Origins and Production
Bergamot , classified as Citrus bergamia, is a similar citrus fruit with a spherical shape that turns yellow when fully ripe. For a long time, the fruit has been used mainly in the cosmetic field, but in recent times its beneficial properties have also been re-evaluated in the food sector. In fact, a very precious essential oil is extracted from the peel of the Calabrian bergamot, used in aromatherapy or as an essence for cosmetics and perfumes. In the food sector, the citrus fruit is used to flavor Earl Grey tea, a variety that has become famous throughout the world, or as a substitute for lemon in many dishes. If you intend to consume the juice, given the very sour flavor of the fruit, it is advisable to mix it with orange juice (especially that from Navel oranges ).
Calabrian Bergamot: Etymology and Origin
90% of the world's bergamot production takes place on the coast of the province of Reggio Calabria, which overlooks the Ionian Sea. There are various hypotheses regarding its etymology: according to some scholars, the name derives from Berga, the ancient name of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. According to others, the term derives from Pergamon, the name of an ancient city in Asia Minor, while others still maintain that it derives from the Turkish Berg-a-mundi, which means pear of the Lord. The botanical origin of bergamot is not very clear: the plant probably arose from a natural mutation of the bitter orange, but we do not know for sure why it grows predominantly in the Ionian area of the province of Reggio. As we have already mentioned, the production of Calabrian bergamot constitutes 90% of the world's production of this particular citrus fruit. Attempts have been made to plant it in various other parts of the world, but the attempts have produced results only in the Ivory Coast. The cause of this “exclusivity” could be the particular microclimate of the area combined with other factors such as the conformation of the territory and the soil rich in minerals.
Calabrian Bergamots: History of Production
According to the historical sources available to us, bergamot appeared in Calabria in 1600: the first producers discovered that a very fragrant essential oil could be obtained from the peel of the citrus fruit, which was initially used mainly among natural remedies. Bergamot oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, therefore it is useful for fighting infections, inflammation and intestinal disorders. During the 1700s, thanks to the perfumer Gian Paolo Feminis, the essence was used as the base of an eau de cologne, called 4711 from the street number where the laboratory was located. In the following century, however, Sir Grey, owner of tea plantations in India, had the idea of flavoring the leaves with the essence of the citrus fruit. The result was Earl Grey, one of the most popular varieties of tea in the world. In the twentieth century, scientific studies discovered the beneficial effects of bergamot in aromatherapy: the essence is in fact used in cases of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the antiseptic properties of the product were later discovered: bergamot essential oil is also used to combat acne and skin infections. But it doesn't end there: the use of bergamot has then extended to the food sector, especially because the benefits of the citrus fruit in fighting cholesterol were discovered. Currently , Calabrian bergamots are used more and more in the kitchen: from the preparation of first and second courses to cakes and biscuits, from fresh granitas to tasty jams.
Calabrian Bergamots: Where to Buy Them
On this site from the period between November and February it is possible to buy Calabrian bergamots produced with organic cultivation method. The bergamots are picked only after the order and shipped with delivery within 48 hours: