Tag: Bergamot orange

Approximately 80% of the world's citrus bergamot comes from the Calabrian region of southern Italy. This fact highlights a key geographic difference between the citrus fruit, also known as bergamot orange, and the North American wildflower often called wild bergamot or bee balm, which are two completely separate species.

Approximately 90% of the world's commercial bergamot crop is cultivated in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The specific fruit that has bergamot is known as the bergamot orange, a unique and intensely aromatic citrus prized for its essential oil.

First isolated from bergamot oil in 1937, bergamottin is a natural compound found predominantly in certain citrus fruits. This furanocoumarin is well-known for its potential to inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A, which can significantly affect the metabolism of a variety of prescription drugs. Knowing what fruits have bergamottin is crucial for anyone taking medications that carry a 'grapefruit warning'.

The vast majority of the world's citrus bergamot, over 90%, is cultivated in the coastal region of Calabria in Southern Italy. While most people associate its distinct aroma with Earl Grey tea, many are unaware of its other common and scientific names. This fragrant fruit, a unique hybrid, goes by several titles that reflect its characteristics and historical roots.

Over 75% of bergamot's commercial production comes from Italy, but there is significant confusion over the edible uses of the various plants that share the name. To determine which bergamot is edible, you must first distinguish between the citrus fruit (*Citrus bergamia*) and the herb (*Monarda* species) that possess similar scents.