Bergamot Citrus Tree Benefits & Uses (Citrus bergamia)

Bergamot is best known for its fragrant peel oil, which has long been valued in tea, perfume, and aromatic preparations. Its most famous culinary use is Earl Grey tea, where bergamot gives black tea its distinctive floral citrus aroma. The exact origin of Earl Grey is often told as legend, but the connection between bergamot and tea helped make this small citrus fruit known far beyond southern Italy.  I am a true fan of Earl Grey tea, its delicious.

Bergamot also has an interesting history in essential oil production. Before modern extraction methods, the aromatic oil was traditionally obtained from the peel by hand, using slow pressing methods and natural sponges to collect the essence. In the 19th century, the invention of the macchina calabrese, or Calabrian machine, helped mechanize bergamot oil extraction and strengthened Calabria’s role as the heart of commercial bergamot oil production.

Bergamot has traditionally been used to support:

• Aromatic teas for seasonal comfort
• Traditional steam preparations
• Warming digestive herbal blends
• Herbal gargles and mouth rinses
• Infused oils and external herbal washes

Historically, wild bergamot was used in Native North American and settler herbal traditions as a fragrant tea herb. It became especially well known as Oswego tea and is still appreciated as both a garden plant and a traditional household herb.

Bergamot can be prepared in several traditional ways:

Tea

The dried or fresh bergamot leaves and flowers may be steeped in hot water to prepare an aromatic herbal tea.

Steam

The fragrant aerial parts may be added to hot water for traditional herbal steam preparations.

Infused Oil

The flowering tops may be infused into carrier oil for use in salves and other external herbal preparations.

Bergamot orange trees can be grown at home in the United States, but they need warm, citrus-friendly conditions. As a tender citrus tree, Citrus bergamia grows best outdoors in mild regions with plenty of sun, good drainage, and protection from frost.

• Prefers full sun and warm growing conditions
• Grows best in rich, well-drained soil or a quality citrus potting mix
• Suitable outdoors in USDA zones 8–11, with best results in mild, frost-free climates
• Can be grown in large containers in colder regions and moved indoors before frost
• Needs protection from freezing temperatures and cold winter winds
• Works well as a patio, greenhouse, sunroom, or conservatory citrus tree

Because bergamot orange is a citrus tree, ordering live plants can be affected by agricultural quarantine rules. These restrictions are in place to help prevent the spread of citrus pests and diseases, and they can vary by state and nursery. Before buying a bergamot orange tree online, always check the supplier’s current shipping information and your state’s citrus import rules.

For gardeners in the USA, bergamot orange trees are sometimes available from specialist citrus nurseries such as Four Winds Growers and Georgia Grown Citrus. Availability can change seasonally, so check the current listing, plant size, and shipping restrictions before ordering.

Bergamot has a long history of traditional use, however aromatic herbs may still cause sensitivity in some individuals.

However:

• Bergamot may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals when taken in larger amounts.
• Topical preparations may irritate very sensitive skin, so patch testing is a sensible precaution.
• Individuals with known sensitivities to plants in the mint family should use caution.
• Concentrated essential-oil-type preparations should be used more carefully than a mild tea.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before regular medicinal use.
• Always consult a qualified professional before using herbs for health purposes.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.