Bergamot Unveiled: The Citrus Gem of Aromatherapy

Anyone familiar with Earl Grey tea knows Bergamot’s fragrant, citrusy scent and distinct flavor, but this citrus powerhouse isn’t just confined to teacups! Steam distilled from the peels of the tropical Citrus bergamia plant, Organic Bergamot is a star in the realm of aromatherapy.

An Ancient Journey Along The Silk Road

The story of Bergamot unfolds along the ancient Silk Road, where the original plant traveled from Southeast Asia to Persia. Modern Bergamot was hybridized in Italy around 1000 AD, and traces its roots back to lemon and bitter orange ancestors. The name “Bergamot” pays homage to the Italian city of Bergamo, where the modern trees were originally cultivated, and Southern Italy remains the heart of Bergamot essential oil production today.

 

A Perfumed Legacy

Bergamot’s sunny fragrance has adorned elite circles for centuries. In ancient China and Southeast Asia, nobility perfumed their robes with its citrusy essence. In Persia, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire, only royalty and the very wealthy could afford this imported, fragrant oil. Similarly, Bergamot oil was highly prized among the Italian elite and was used to cover the smell of their body odor. In 1686, a Frenchman named Francis Procopius was introduced to Bergamot oil during a visit to Sicily and brought it back to France with him, where it began to be used in different types of perfume. In 1709, a new kind of body fragrance was developed for men using Bergamot oil as its main ingredient. This fragrance was referred to as Eau de Cologne and was the first men’s cologne in the world. Without Bergamot, today’s global industry of men’s cologne would never have existed!

Beyond Earl Grey Tea 

While Bergamot oranges are considered far too bitter to be eaten raw, they have many other culinary uses. Most famously, Bergamot gave the simple black tea in Earl Grey its distinctive, citrusy flavor when the Earl Grey—the man, not the tea—was introduced to the tea additive by a Chinese diplomat. But its culinary charm extends well beyond the teacup. In Europe especially, the zest and flesh of the Bergamot fruit are used as a flavoring in cookies, custards, marmalades, syrups, and cocktails. It is also mixed with mayonnaise or pesto and served as a condiment with fish or meat entrees. Its journey from a diplomatic tool in tea to a culinary sensation is a testament to Bergamot’s versatility.

 

An Aromatherapy Wonder

Organic Bergamot essential oil often takes center stage in aromatherapy, offering a medley of benefits, and harmonizing seamlessly with other oils. Both relaxing and uplifting, its scent creates a comforting atmosphere. When diffused, Bergamot’s fruity-green garden fragrance refreshes the air, spreading optimism and joy. It partners beautifully with Basil or Clary Sage to instill a sense of joie de vivre, or joins forces with Geranium and Sweet Orange to create a calming and uplifting environment. It can also be found in the AromaTru essential oil collections Inspire and Balance, for a simple way to try the perfect blend.

Try our Organic Bergamot essential oil in the AromaTru Waterless Diffuser and breathe easy. With no water to worry about with our Exclusive Diffuser, you can diffuse with the guaranteed purity of the AromaTru USDA Certified Organic and Wildcrafted essential oils, your only focus will be on creating your own perfect, fully customized aromatherapy experience.