THE BERGAMOT

The Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia,) is a fragrant fruit, it has the size of an orange , with a yellow colour similar to a lemon. The Bergamot is a small tree which blossoms during the winter. The juice tastes more bitter than lemon. Citrus bergamot is a native hybrid grown in Calabria, southern Italy, where more than 80% are found. The fruit is not grown for juice consumption, but for the essential oil , used to make perfumes.The aroma of the bergamot is most commonly known for its use in Earl Grey tea.

NAME & HISTORY

Its origins are mysterious. Many authors tell it comes from China, Greece, from Pergamum (ancient Troy); others from the Spanish town of Berga .It is related to French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, of Turkish origin: beg-armudi orbeg armut "prince's pear" or "prince of pears.

The production is limited to the Ionian Sea coastal areas of the province of Reggio Calabria to such an extent that it is a symbol of the entire city. Most of the bergamot comes from a short stretch of land extending for about 60 miles from Villa San Giovanni ,(passing through our town Catona ) to Gioiosa Jonica, in the province of Reggio Calabria, where the temperature is favourable. The first intensive plantation of bergamot trees was due, in 1750 , to Nicola Parisi owner of a plot of land along the coast of Reggio Calabria , situated in front of the area where today is located the municipal Zerbi Beach,in the heart of the city. The essential oil of bergamot from Reggio Calabria in 1990 obtained the D.O.P. mark (Denomination of Protected Origin).

CatonaReggio Calabria

The surface cultivated with bergamot today is approximately 1,500 hectares, with an average production of 100,000 kg of essence. To obtain a kg of essence takes 200 kg of fruits. Its colour ranges from green to yellow, depending on the degree of ripeness, the bergamot has the dimensions of an orange. There are three bergamot cultivars:"Femminello, Castagnano and Fantastico”. Difficult to eat, because of its strong and bitter flavor, its essence, however, is increasingly in demand by the markets for the different uses.

The bergamot is good for the heart. It is excellent for keeping excess cholesterol under control, thereby contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses like strokes i come ictus, arteriosclerosis, and heart attacks. Freshly squeezed bergamot juice for the patient suffering from high cholesterol may bring about a significant reduction of pharmacological remedies with bothersome side effects. In the province of Reggio Calabria it is called "green gold", and indeed the bergamot is gold because in the face of very limited production represents a bet on which local economic and scientific operators point decisively.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES

That's not all, the bergamot essence would also have beneficial effects in the treatment of anxiety and as an antidepressant, as indicated by certain practices of aromatherapy. Make fumigations with a few drops of bergamot oil can provide help for the welfare of the airways that can enjoy its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. For its properties, bergamot was then considered a natural remedy also as a disinfectant and antiviral and a digestive aid.

The bergamot and its virtues were the centre of attention at Expo Milano 2015. As part of the workshop entitled “The Book and the Mediterranean Diet”, organised by the Italian Federation of Calabrian Circles , together with the National Association for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, participants talked about health as the integration of science and nutrition. It is a truly unique citrus fruit for its organoleptic and nutritional qualities.

Bergamots are truly a treasure for our health, rich in polyphenols, natural antioxidants, vitamin Bl e B2 e P in the juice, vitamin A and E, Vitamin C that helps to protect the cells from the oxidation process and contributes to maintaining vascular health and in the normal formation of collagen for the correct functioning of blood vessels. it contains the naringin and two flavonoids statin -like ( with activity similar to that of statins ) , denominated brutieridin and melitidin . The content of citric acid is equal to 66 g / l , such high quantities determined in the past years the use of the juice as a source of natural citric acid .

HEALTHY BENEFITS

Peel waste from oil extraction contains pectins and flavonoids a potential source of natural antioxidant/anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

IN FOODAn essence extracted from the aromatic skin of this fruit is used to flavour Earl Grey and Lady grey teas, it is used above all in pastries; indeed, it is an excellent aroma for candies, candied fruit, marmelade, nougat, ice creams, liqueurs, and various beverages. You can taste them only here !!You can drink some bergamot liquor too !

USES

AS A FRAGRANCE

It is a jewel in the crown of luxury perfumes. Its essence, thanks to its freshness, is the fundamental ingredient not only in traditional colognes, but also in numerous other delicate perfumery products. Bergamot peel is used in perfumery for its ability to combine with an array of scents to form a bouquet of aromas which complement each other. Approximately about half world perfumes contain bergamot essential oil. In practice, it plays several roles: invigorates and gives panache to odors lighter highlights latent and, on the other hand, softens and improves some smells too strong. Bergamot is a major component of the original Eau De Cologne composed by Farina at the beginning of 18th century .

In Cosmetics

Bergamot is used in many skin care creams and lotions which harness its cooling, refreshing nature. Bergamot is suited to help calm inflamed skin, and as such is contained in some creams for skin conditions such as psoriasis,it also has antiseptic properties which help ward off infection and aid recovery.To spice up the soaps should be used with caution due to its low stability with alkalis.

And ,for this reason,today the French fashion house Dior has decided to establish a partnership with a company of Reggio Calabria , from which the Bergamot San Carlo was born , worked with handicraft systems and organically .A documentary was shot by the French fashion house to undertake a communication strategy to tell the olfactory components of its perfumes , describing the activity of the company in search of the best essences : those able to create a unique scent.

http://www.dior.com/diortv/it_it/videos/trattamenti/alla-ricerca-delle-essenze-episodio-2-il-bergamotto-di-calabria

History : The Bergamot MuseumWe said the first tree was planted in 1750 in the feud "Giunchi" by Nicola Parisi who, to extract the perfumed essence, used the technique of absorption through sponge down: the peel was pressed with the hands and the essence, absorbed by natural sponges , was poured in proper containers. You can see that processing technique and the tools used in the past at the Museum o f Bergamotto in Reggio Calabria.

In the XVIII century traditionally the peel of the bergamot, deprived of the pulp and dried, was used as snuffbox: in this way, the tobacco was aromatized and could maintain the right moisture.Nowadays ,this tradition is carried on in a village in province of Reggio Calabria , where you can admire and probably buy, these exclusive hand made,original and very rare snuffboxes :

..or these fantastic scented objects , made by bergamots :flowers, dolls, small boxes, wardrobe perfumes.

CURIOSITY

“ His Majesty the Bergamot " , written by Filippo Maria Aliquò is a book produced with the support of the Calabria Region , the Regional Council of Calabria , the province of Reggio Calabria and the Bergamot Consortium . The book is primarily aimed at children of primary and secondary schools , but also to all those who want to know better the bergamot , its history and its thousand faces .

All in all, if we cherish our health, we mustn’t forget this unique fruit, this green gold: The bergamot.

If you like to know more ,please watch this video http://www.bergamottoconsorzio.it/aprivideoENG.html