Character
The Story of Italian bergamot
Italian bergamot delivers a bright citrus burst with floral and spicy undertones. Found at the heart of Eau de Cologne and Earl Grey alike, this Calabrian treasure has shaped perfumery for over three centuries.
Heritage
Bergamot takes its name from Bergamo in northern Italy, where the oil first entered commerce. Paolo Feminis used bergamot to create what became Eau de Cologne in 1676, later commercialized by his son-in-law Johann Maria Farina in 1709. Some trace the name to the Turkish beg-a-mudi, meaning pears of the prince. Italians had used bergamot in folk medicine since the sixteenth century for fever and antiseptic purposes. Francis Procopius introduced bergamot water to France in 1686. The fruit remains inedible but continues fueling global perfumery from its Calabrian groves.
At a Glance
3
Feature this note
Italy
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Cold expression
Fruit peel
Did You Know
"It takes 200 kg of bergamot to produce just one liter of essential oil."