What's a bergamot?

Fresh bergamot being halved (photo by Conde Nast).

Ever wonder what that ingredient in your cup of earl grey tea was?...that's bergmot essential oil. Bergamots are valued in the perfume industry as well because of its intense and unusual aroma. Calabria, Italy is one of the main producers (about 80%) and exporters of this mysterious fruit that is used on an international manufacturing scale. Production mostly is limited to a stretch of land on the Ionian coast of Reggio Calabria since the temperature is most favorable there for cultivation. So many bergamots are grown there in fact, it has become a symbol of the entire city. Calabria is the only region that grows bergamots commercially.

I came across them recently at Dean & DeLuca and decided to take some home since it's not at all common to find bergamots here in New York City. I made a salad dressing with the juice and it tasted great. I also had it in my water in lieu of fresh lemons and that works just as well since I find the flavor profile to resemble more of a lemon/lime combo. Some have described it more as a "sour orange." I've considered baking with it too but haven't ventured yet. I'd be curious to hear if anyone has tried using fresh bergamots in their own kitchen. Please share if you've used them at home.

#fruit #bergamot #citrusbergamiarisso #calabria #reggiocalabria #earlgreytea #perfume #manufacturing #food