How to Use Bergamot Orange Fruit and Leaves

If you are anything like us, you will want to make the most of every citrus tree you have. Bergamot was a tree we didn't know much about. So we did some research and after a lot of experimenting we now have a range of uses for the Bergamot orange fruit. We think you will love them.  

• Dried Bergamot Fruit: slice the bergamot fruit, place on a tray and dry in a 60C oven with door ajar. Store in an airtight container. Add a dried bergamot slice to your black tea for an amazing flavoured, refreshing tea. You will be surprised how much better it tastes than store-bought Earl Grey tea.
• Marmalade and Curd: Bergamot marmalade is a specialty product made with the fruit and rind. It is like orange marmalade but with a more floral note. Bergamot curd is like lemon curd but with a more intense flavour and wonderful aroma.
• Essential Oil: The main commercial use of Bergamot fruit is the extraction of Bergamot essential oil from its rind. This highly fragrant oil is what gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour and aroma. Bergamot essential oil can also be used in other foods and beverages.

Above photo: Bergamot fruit, leaves and essential oil

• Aromatherapy and beauty products: Bergamot essential oil, is super fragrant and is extracted from the rind of the Bergamot orange fruit. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its uplifting and anti-anxiety properties. Remember to never use concentrated essential oil on your skin as it can cause a reaction. Rather, dilute the Bergamot essential oil with a carrier oil like almond oil. Bergamot essential oil is used in cosmetics, soaps and perfumes due to its intense musky, floral and citrus notes.
• Aromatic purposes: Bergamot leaves can be simmered in water to create a refreshing scent in your home.
• Don't eat fresh: The Bergamot fruit is usually not eaten fresh because it's very tart and acidic. It is more bitter than grapefruit. The fruit has a very strong but interesting aroma.