Bergamot oil is distilled from the rind of the Citrus Aurantium fruit, which is a pear-shaped, grapefruit-like citrus fruit.

The bergamot tree grows well in the Mediterranean and other warm, dry climates, but it is remarkably adaptive, and also thrives throughout much of Europe.

Bergamot essential oil has a distinctly citrus smell, but it is also warm and a little spicy; it's been used for decades in commercial facial, skin, and haircare products.

Bergamot is also used in lots of aromatherapy products, both for massage and for other essential oil aromatherapy treatments.

The flavouring is an essential part of my favourite two types of tea - Earl Grey and Lady Grey are both types of bergamot tea. It give the tea a distinctive and delicate flavour, and the bergamot fragrance steaming from the cup of lovely, too.

Bergamot oranges are also used in cooking, including some types of marmalade.

