Bergamot, a citrus fruit with mysterious origins
It is difficult to trace the geographical origins of the bergamot tree. Some believe it was introduced to Europe by the Crusaders. Its name is thought to come from the Ottoman “Bay Armut”, meaning “the Master’s pear”. Others, however, believe that bergamot was imported from the Canary Islands by Christopher Columbus. It is said to take its name from Berga, a Catalan town where it was later cultivated... One thing is certain: today, the bergamot tree grows mainly in Calabria, southern Italy.
Calabrian bergamot
At Kusmi, choosing quality products with original, unique flavours is our number one priority. The choice of these ingredients is important, and the quality of our sourcing is the key to our success.
We therefore make a point of choosing the very best in every category: fruit, flowers, spices... all carefully selected for their quality and flavour, produced with the utmost respect for the planet.
For bergamot, we invite you to Calabria, in southern Italy . With its warm climate, little frost and regular rainfall, southern Italy offers unique climatic conditions for the production of bergamot.
Bergamot, the star of Earl Grey tea
It is bergamot that gives Earl Grey, a tea well known across the Channel, its inimitable flavour. To make Earl Grey, bergamot essential oil is sprayed onto dried black tea leaves. This flavoured blend also comes in white tea, green tea and Oolong versions. The Queen of England’s favourite tea is said to take its name from Charles Grey, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. Many legends surround its exact origins... One of them tells how a Chinese employee in the service of the Grey family came up with the idea of enhancing the flavour of tea by dipping a slice of bergamot into it. It is also said that Charles Grey once received a bergamot and, not knowing how to prepare it, cut off a piece to put in his cup of tea. Would you have tried it?
The benefits of bergamot
If Earl Grey has stood the test of time, it is also because bergamot is said to offer many benefits:
• This citrus fruit is said to help manage stress and make it easier to fall asleep.
• As an infusion, bergamot is said to have soothing effects on digestive disorders such as stomach cramps and spasms. The fruit may also help fight intestinal parasites.
• Applying its essential oil may soothe skin irritations such as eczema, hives and psoriasis. Take care when exposed to the sun, however, as this oil is photosensitising.
Bergamot also contains nutrients that are good for your health:
• Its high concentration of vitamin C is said to boost immune defences.
• This fruit is rich in vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that is also good for eyesight.
• This citrus fruit also contains flavonoids, molecules with antioxidant properties.
Bergamot in all its forms
Bergamot is said to be good for your health, but above all for your palate! In addition to its essential oil, which gives Earl Grey tea its unique flavour, its juice, zest and peel lend themselves to creating delicious sweet and savoury dishes. Bergamot flesh has a sharp, bitter taste. If you are feeling peckish, we recommend eating it as it is – a real treat! Its bumpy-looking zest is delicious grated: its generous aromas enhance dishes for even more flavour! Bergamot juice is ideal for livening up a dish: it will elevate a seafood platter and give a marinade a lift. Add a few drops of its essence to give your fruit salads and sauces a boost. Bergamot leaves give off a rich fragrance and are used like an aromatic herb. They are traditionally found in Thai and Malaysian dishes. For dessert, bergamot peel, candied or ground into powder, subtly enhances sweet treats such as jams, pastries and biscuits.
Recipes: make an Earl Grey latte
Bergamot black tea is delicious with milk, whether dairy or plant-based.
For a delicious break, discover two tasty recipes made with Earl Grey tea.
Earl Grey tea with milk recipe – 2 to 3 cups:
Discover a simple bergamot tea with milk recipe.
1. Pour 100 ml of water into a saucepan.
2. Turn off the heat when the water comes to the boil.
3. Add 8 g of our Earl Grey Kusmi Tea.
4. Leave to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add 250 ml of milk.
6. Heat over a low heat.
7. Turn off the heat before boiling.
8. Pour your Earl Grey with milk into a cup, straining the leaves through a sieve.
9. For extra flavour, add sugar, honey, cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Bergamot tea and soya milk recipe – 2 cups
For those who prefer to blend their Earl Grey with plant-based milk, opt for soya milk!
1. Heat your water to 90°C using your kettle.
2. Add 6 g of our Earl Grey Kusmi Tea.
3. Pour 200 ml of hot water over it.
4. Leave the preparation to infuse for 5 minutes.
5. Pour the tea into cups, straining out the tea leaves.
6. Add between 30 and 40 ml of soya milk.
To surprise your guests at a tea time, replace traditional Earl Grey with an Anastasia black tea, a tea with bergamot, lemon and orange blossom essential oils.