Unraveling the Bergamot Identity Crisis
When people ask, "what is another name for bergamot?" they are often unaware that their query could refer to one of two completely separate plants. This widespread confusion stems from a historic case of mistaken aroma. The true citrus bergamot is a sour orange-lemon hybrid (Citrus bergamia) native to the Mediterranean. The herb known as bee balm (Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa), which is native to North America, was given the common name "bergamot" by botanists because its leaves possess a similar, though not identical, citrusy scent. This overlap has led to significant confusion in culinary, herbal, and aromatherapy contexts. Understanding the distinction is crucial for anyone using these plants for specific purposes.
The Bergamot Orange: Citrus bergamia
For most, the term bergamot is synonymous with the distinct flavor found in Earl Grey tea. The essential oil pressed from the rind of this citrus fruit is what provides that signature flavor and aroma. It is also a popular ingredient in the fragrance industry. The bergamot orange is primarily cultivated in the Calabria region of Southern Italy, which produces over 80% of the world's supply. While the fruit itself is too sour and bitter for eating, its peel is highly prized for its oil. Other names for this citrus include bergamot orange and citrus bergamia, its botanical name.
The Herb Bergamot: Monarda Species
In North America, a wildflower from the mint family (Lamiaceae) also carries the name bergamot. This herbal bergamot is more often called bee balm, a name it earned for attracting pollinators. Different Monarda species have various common names:
- Monarda didyma: Known as scarlet bee balm, scarlet monarda, or Oswego tea. Historically, its leaves were used to make tea.
- Monarda fistulosa: Frequently called wild bergamot or bee balm, with lavender flowers.
- Monarda citriodora: Sometimes referred to as lemon bergamot, due to its citrusy aroma.
The leaves and flowers of herbal bergamot are used for herbal teas and medicinal purposes, unlike the citrus fruit. Native Americans historically used the leaves for culinary purposes and treating ailments. A comparison between the two plants is available here {Link: sowrightseeds.com https://sowrightseeds.com/blogs/planters-library/wild-bergamot-medicinal-american-wildflower-herb}.
The Confusion: A Tale of Two Aromas
The aromatic similarity between the Monarda herb and the Citrus fruit is the primary source of the confusion. European botanists named the North American plant "bergamot" because its scent resembled the Italian bergamot. This led to a common misconception that the herbal bee balm is the source of the flavor in Earl Grey tea. The key difference lies in the plant parts used and their chemical composition: the citrus oil comes from the fruit peel, while the herbal tea is made from the leaves of the Monarda plant.
Which Bergamot Do You Have?
Identifying which bergamot you are dealing with depends on the context. Earl Grey tea or citrus-scented perfumes use the oil from the citrus fruit. A flowering garden perennial that attracts pollinators and has a minty, citrus-like fragrance is likely the herbal variety, bee balm.
Conclusion
In summary, the term bergamot can refer to the citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia), also called bergamot orange, and the North American herb (Monarda didyma or fistulosa), known as bee balm or Oswego tea. Their shared name originates from a similar aroma, but they belong to different botanical families, have different origins, and are used for different purposes. Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion in various applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the scientific name for the bergamot fruit? A: The scientific name for the bergamot fruit, which is used to flavor Earl Grey tea, is Citrus bergamia.
Q: Is bergamot the same as bee balm? A: No, they are different plants.
Q: What is Oswego tea? A: Oswego tea is another name for a type of herbal bergamot or bee balm (Monarda didyma), which was historically used by the Oswego Native Americans to make tea.
Q: Why do bee balm and bergamot orange share the same name? A: European botanists named the North American herb bee balm "bergamot" because its leaves had an aroma reminiscent of the bergamot orange they were familiar with from Italy.
Q: Where does the bergamot citrus fruit come from? A: The majority of bergamot citrus fruit, particularly that used for essential oils, is grown in the Calabria region of Southern Italy.
Q: Is bergamot mint the same as bergamot? A: Bergamot mint, also known as Eau de Cologne mint (Mentha aquatica L. var. citrata), is another plant with a similar scent, but it is distinct from both the citrus and the herbal bergamot.
Q: How can I tell the difference between the two types of bergamot? A: The citrus bergamot is a fruit, while the herbal bergamot (bee balm) is a flowering perennial herb. The context of their use (flavoring vs. herbal tea) is often the easiest way to differentiate.
Key Takeaways
- Dual Identity: The term "bergamot" can refer to two very different plants: the citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) and the flowering herb bee balm (Monarda species).
- Citrus Bergamot Names: The fruit is also known as bergamot orange and its botanical name, Citrus bergamia.
- Herbal Bergamot Names: The herb is commonly called bee balm, wild bergamot, and Oswego tea.
- Aromatic Link: The shared name comes from the fragrant, citrus-like aroma found in both plants, despite their distinct botanical origins.
- Context is Key: Always clarify whether you are discussing the citrus fruit, used for flavoring and perfume, or the herbal plant, used for teas and in gardens.
- Distinct Uses: Citrus bergamot oil flavors Earl Grey tea, while herbal bergamot (bee balm) leaves are brewed for a minty, medicinal tea.
