Bergamot is a citrus fruit the size of an orange and green in color. It grows on a small evergreen tree that blooms during the winter. The flavor of its juice is more bitter than a grapefruit and less acidic than a lemon, which is why it is not generally used in juices or desserts. It is best known for its essential oil, extracted from the peel, which is used in fragrances and to give the characteristic flavor to Earl Grey tea.

Originally from Southeast Asia, the cultivation of bergamot requires fertile, well-drained soils. Today, it is the Calabria region of Italy where more than 80% of its essential oil is produced. It is carefully cultivated in terraced gardens, located on steep hills to ensure optimal drainage. It is also grown, to a lesser extent, in the south of France, the Ivory Coast and Turkey.

In ancient times, bergamot was used by the Greeks and Romans to treat digestive problems and fever. It later became a luxury product in Europe, used to perfume gloves and handkerchiefs. Then in the 19^th century, bergamot essential oil became a popular ingredient in perfumes.

Its aroma is an elegant and charming harmony of citrus freshness with a slightly spicy touch that, combined with other citrus or floral notes, offers a wide range of scents, from the delicate to the most intense. Bergamot can also be used for heart and base notes in certain compositions to enhance the overall fragrance.

Today, bergamot is found as the top note in most fragrance compositions, both masculine and feminine, providing a fresh, light and stimulating initial quality. It is used in different proportions in almost all perfumes and fragrances, in the aromatization of personal care products and environments, and in home care and cleaning products.

The other classic use of this fruit, as we have already mentioned, is to give its unique flavor and characteristic fragrance to Earl Grey tea, one of the world’s most popular, which is well-known for its stimulating citrus aroma.

Bergamot is also used in aromatherapy for its calming and balancing properties, as it helps reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.

At @CramerLatam, our perfumers have perfected the use of bergamot oil in fragrance design, highlighting its delicious and refined citrus fragrance, and maintaining the delicacy of the aroma in each application.

 

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