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April 16, 2007 : Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia
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Keywords: Rutaceae | Citrus aurantium L. subsp. bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn. | cultivated in a greenhouse in Heidelberg, Germany
This is the last in the series on tropical and subtropical fruit. These two photographs are shared by Friedrich K of Heidelburg, Germany, aka fuchsiafred@Flickr (original image 1 | original image 2 | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Friedrich has put together a small series on these bergamot oranges to illustrate the making of a traditional liqueur flavoured by the rind of these citrus fruits. Thank you, Friedrich!
The origins of Bergamot orange are unknown, according to an industry web site, Consorzio del Bergamotto: Reggio Calabria (warning: Flash site). The industry site lists experts having traced its origins to places such as China, Greece, Spain (near Berga) and Turkey — and then fancifully suggests it is of mythical origin as a spontaneous mutation discovered in the city of Fata Morgana, a mirage city purportedly observed in the Strait of Messina (between Sicily and Calabria in Italy). Whatever its origin, somewhere around 90% of the world's production of Bergamot oranges occurs in Calabria.
The economic uses of Bergamot orange are not restricted to flavouring traditional liqueurs, though. Prominent among its modern applications is its use as the major flavouring ingredient for Earl Grey tea. Historically, oils were also extracted from its rind in the production of the original Eau de Cologne (the oil from the petals of Citrus aurantium, the sour (or bitter or Seville) orange are also used). Unfortunately, there have been some consumer difficulties with the oil from the Bergamot orange rind – turns out it can discolour skin and cause burning when exposed to light (i.e., it is phototoxic). The industry is fighting against the trend toward using synthetic Bergamot oil replacements by finding alternative uses for the fruits, such as oils for aromatherapy, juices and marmalade.
A word of caution I should add from Mabberley's “The Plant Book”: he notes that the rind oil is allegedly carcinogenic. The PAN Pesticides Database lists its carcinogenic properties as unknown (it is also used as a dog, cat and insect repellent).
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at April 16, 2007 12:00 AM
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Posted by: Cody at April 16, 2007 1:19 AM
Daniel and Friedrich;
Thanks for a most enlightening post, since I drink a great deal of tea, including Earl Grey, and had always wondered what "bergamot" was.
Posted by: bev at April 16, 2007 4:51 AM
The component of oil of bergamot that is responsible for cutaneous toxicity is a 5 methoxypsoralen (a furocoumarin), bergapten, which when irradiated by UV light, causes increased melanocyte activity, leading to increased pigmentation. It is, in its acute phases, much like an exaggerated sunburn, and then leads to increased pigmentation in the areas of skin exposed to the oil. Particularly pronounced exposures to adequate concentrations of bergapten and the right UVA light frequencies will lead to frank blistering of the skin.
Bergapten and similar furocoumarins are naturally occurring component of various other fruits and plants, including celery (Apium graveolens), Queen Anne's lace (Ammi majus), figs (Ficus carica), limes and lemons, and Russian hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
The toxicity is not immunologic, and does not require a prior exposure to develop.
Posted by: Jonathan Knisely at April 16, 2007 5:43 AM
But is it edible?
Posted by: Old Ari at April 16, 2007 6:36 AM
Facinating! especially due to the fact that I had developed a belief that Mondara (Bee Balm or Bergamot) was the source for the Earl Grey flavouring "oil of Bergamot". I stand corrected... Now to pass this information back through the grape vine, to those I has mistakenly schooled! Oops!
Posted by: elizabeth at April 16, 2007 1:53 PM
Bergamot is edible, although most people including myself would probably refuse to eat more than one bite. The taste is very strong and somewhat bitter. I was told that in Sicily some children like to eat it with sugar ...
Posted by: Friedrich Kommoss at April 17, 2007 12:21 AM
Where can I buy a Citrus aurantium bergamia,in the United States ? I will grow it in a pot and bring it in for the winter.
Posted by: Carol Czechowski at May 17, 2007 11:30 AM
Carol, there are Citrus and Sourcing Plants forums on the UBC BG forums (see link above "Post a Comment" where you are more likely to receive a prompt reply.
Posted by: Daniel Mosquin 
at May 17, 2007 11:45 PM
I want to buy the plant !!! Can u help me !!!
Send it to me am mail and a reponse !!!
Posted by: torac maria at September 10, 2007 6:08 AM
I would like to find bergamot citrus plant or seeds. (citrus bergama or citrus bergamia)
Posted by: becca stone at May 29, 2008 2:17 PM
Could you please tell me who discoverd Citrus Bergamia & Also how it was developed & How it is protected? This is the last chance I have to find out, Please please help me!!
THANKS
X
Posted by: Fiona at February 25, 2009 7:42 AM
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Interestingly, I've heard that limonene, an aromatic compound that has the distinction of being the most abundant organic compound in nature (it is a primary constituent of citrus oils, conifer resin, and many other essential oils), is carcinogenic. So it would not surprise me if all citrus fruits had carcinogenic properties.