bergamot orange
Quick Summary
The term "bergamot" can refer to two distinct botanical entities: certain fragrant herbs of the genus Monarda, native to North America, and the fruit of the bergamot orange (Citrus ×aurantium). Both share a characteristic floral fragrance, making them valuable in perfumes and as flavorings.1
The Monarda herbs, commonly known as bee balm, are perennial plants grown ornamentally. Their leaves are used to flavor beverages like punches and lemonade.1
The bergamot orange is a citrus fruit, primarily cultivated in Italy. It is a hybrid, typically of a sour orange and a lemon, and is recognized for its yellow-green, pear-shaped fruit. The peel of this fruit is highly prized for its essential oil, which is used in the flavor and perfume industries. It is famously known as the flavoring for Earl Grey tea.12
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