Essential Oil of Bergamot Calabrian (Citrus bergamia)
is a cold pressed oil and comes from the rind peel of the fruit of a citrus tree that bears a fruit that resembles a cross between an orange and a grapefruit (according to some sources.) Ours is from an area in Italy called Calabria and from what I've read Calabria is the only place in the world where the climate is just right for bergamot oranges to grow naturally. I only can repeat what I've read, but I haven't seen any contradictions concerning this. I looked it up because I was curious and found pictures of groves of bergamot orange trees that grow along the Calabrian coastline. Some say they are a cross between an orange and grapefruit, others say they are a natural cross between lime and a sour orange. I rather think this Calabrian that we offer seems more like a cross between an orange and lime. It is by far superior in it's sweet, tart, freshness, with a hint of floral.
Bergamot essential oil is not to be confused with the herb bergamot or bee balm (Monarda didyma). And just for the record, while searching for an appropriate picture for our blog on this oil, 99% of the pictures represented were the Monarda or bee balm flower. The aroma of the oil from this fruit is light and fruity, yet has a warm spicey floral note. In fact, it is said that the bergamot fruit was developed for its scent and has now been used in perfumery since the 18th century. I have received some samples that had a sharp, unpleasant note to them, but ours is warm and one of my favorites. Our latest supply is one of the best I've sampled yet. It reminds me of one of my favorite perfumes, an inexpensive one that I used to buy as a teenager called Muguet des Bois, or Lily of the Valley. Bergamot is NOT Lily of the Valley, but has the same qualities of lightness with a floral note. I particularly like the way Kristen Leigh Bell in her book, "Holistic Aromatherapy for Pets" describes bergamot. She says, "Bergamot is a citrus oil that combines the toning, strengthening and balancing effects of the monoterpene alcohols with the soothing, relaxing and uplifting qualities of the monoterpene hydrocarbons." You can see more about the monoterpenes in the detailed version of our description. Berganot essential oil has many benefits and wonderful properties, which is why we are so fond of it, but it also carries with it a significant caution – please see Benefits/Usage tab and for a detailed description of the benefits of this oil, see our Essential Oil Database or our blog article.
