When you hear the word "bergamot," your mind might immediately drift to Earl Grey tea or perhaps the zesty scent of a high-end cologne. But beyond its famous aromatic contributions, the bergamot plant itself is a fascinating and beautiful specimen worthy of a closer look.
Native to the warmer regions of Southeast Asia, the bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a small, thorny citrus tree that produces a truly unique fruit. While visually resembling a lemon or lime, the bergamot fruit is primarily known for its fragrant rind. It's this peel, through a process of cold-pressing, that yields the essential oil so prized by perfumers and flavorists.
