Which bergamot is edible? The guide to distinguishing citrus from herb

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

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.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the difference between edible bergamot types. It details the culinary uses for the citrus fruit's processed parts and the safe consumption of the wild bergamot herb's leaves and flowers.

Key Points

Distinguish the type: "Bergamot" can be a citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) or an herb (Monarda species), with different edible applications.
Citrus for flavoring: Bitter citrus bergamot is not eaten raw; its oil, zest, and juice flavor items like Earl Grey tea and marmalade.
Herb for fresh use: Wild bergamot, a mint herb, has edible leaves and flowers for teas, salads, and seasoning, usable fresh or dried.
Always confirm safety: Ensure food-grade products are used, especially for essential oils. Accurate wild plant identification is also crucial.
Process citrus, use herb directly: Citrus bergamot requires processing (zest, juice in cooking). Wild bergamot leaves and flowers can often be used directly.

Understanding the Two Main Types of Bergamot

The term "bergamot" refers to two distinct plants with similar fragrances: a citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) and an herb (Monarda species). Their edibility differs significantly, with the citrus requiring processing and the herb being safe for direct use.

Citrus Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Primarily cultivated in Italy, particularly Calabria, this citrus fruit is a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon. Its intense sour and bitter taste makes it unsuitable for raw consumption. It's primarily valued for the essential oil extracted from its peel.

Culinary uses for citrus bergamot:

Earl Grey Tea: A classic use of the oil.
Zest: Adds fragrance to baked goods and marinades.
Juice: Used sparingly in cocktails, sauces, and seafood.
Candied Peel & Marmalade: Bitter peel processed with sugar.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma)

Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot is a North American native herb in the mint family. Both its leaves and flowers are edible, offering a spicy, minty, and peppery flavor for direct use.

Culinary uses for wild bergamot:

Herbal Tea: Brewed from leaves and flowers.
Salads & Garnishes: Adds color and flavor to dishes.
Seasoning: Leaves can season meats, soups, and sauces.
Infusions: Used to flavor honey, syrup, or butter.

Bergamot Comparison Table


Feature	Citrus Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)	Wild Bergamot (Monarda species)
Botanical Family	Rutaceae (Citrus)	Lamiaceae (Mint)
Edible Parts	Processed zest, juice, peel, and essential oil	Leaves and flowers
Flavor Profile	Intensely sour, acidic, and bitter	Spicy, peppery, citrusy, and minty
Primary Use	Flavoring agent, essential oil extraction	Herbal teas, seasoning, and garnishes
Common Association	Earl Grey tea and perfumes	Bee balm, Oswego tea
Preparation for Eating	Requires cooking or processing with sugar	Can be used fresh or dried

Cautions for Bergamot Consumption

Edible bergamots are generally safe in moderation, but precautions are necessary:

Citrus Bergamot Essential Oil: Use only food-grade oil. Topical use can increase photosensitivity. Large amounts may cause side effects; consult medical guidance for supplements.
Wild Bergamot: Accurate identification is crucial. Excessive consumption is not recommended. Pregnant/breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor.

How to safely prepare and enjoy bergamot

Source bergamot from reputable vendors. Use fresh citrus bergamot zest or juice from specialty stores or food-grade extracts. For wild bergamot, use home-grown or organic sources. Start with small amounts to gauge flavor intensity.

List of delicious ways to use edible bergamot:

Bergamot-Infused Marmalade: Tames citrus peel bitterness.
Wild Bergamot Tea: Soothing drink from leaves and flowers.
Earl Grey Gin Cocktail: Adds citrusy, floral notes.
Seafood Marinade with Citrus Zest: Vibrant flavor for fish.
Bergamot-Flavored Desserts: Unique twist for sweets.

Conclusion

Both citrus bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and wild bergamot (Monarda species) are edible but used differently. The bitter citrus is best processed for flavoring in items like Earl Grey tea and marmalade, while the herbal version is enjoyed more directly in teas, salads, and as seasoning. Understanding these distinctions is key to safely enjoying bergamot's unique flavors and aromas.

For more detailed scientific information on bergamot's effects, consult medical resources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Is there a citrus fruit called bergamot?

Yes: Citrus bergamia is a small, sour citrus fruit, a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon, mostly grown in Italy.

Which parts of wild bergamot are edible?

Both leaves and flowers: The leaves and vibrant flowers of the wild bergamot herb (Monarda fistulosa) are edible and usable in teas and as seasonings.

How is bergamot used to flavor Earl Grey tea?

Essential oil from the peel: Earl Grey tea's flavor comes from essential oil extracted from citrus bergamot peel and added to black tea.

Can you eat the bergamot fruit raw?

Not recommended: Citrus bergamot is intensely sour and bitter, better suited for its zest and juice as flavorings.

Are there any safety concerns with consuming bergamot?

Yes, use caution: Large amounts of citrus bergamot essential oil can be harmful, and topical use can cause sun sensitivity. Use food-grade products and consult a doctor for medicinal use.

Is wild bergamot and bee balm the same plant?

Yes: Wild bergamot, or bee balm, refers to Monarda species, North American herbs distinct from the citrus fruit.

What does wild bergamot taste like?

Spicy, minty, and citrusy: Wild bergamot has a flavor profile similar to oregano, thyme, and mint with citrus notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, both the leaves and flowers of wild bergamot (Monarda species) are edible and can be used to make herbal teas, add to salads, or as a garnish.

Food-grade bergamot oil is generally recognized as safe when used in small, diluted amounts for flavoring. However, pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause side effects if ingested in large quantities, so use with caution.

Wild bergamot is another common name for bee balm (Monarda species). Both names refer to the same group of North American herbs, which are distinct from the citrus fruit.

Yes, applying citrus bergamot essential oil to the skin can make it more sensitive to sunlight due to compounds called furanocoumarins, so it should be avoided before sun exposure.

Yes, the zest and juice of citrus bergamot can be used to flavor savory dishes like seafood and marinades. The leaves of wild bergamot can be used as a seasoning similar to oregano or thyme.

The citrus bergamot fruit is extremely sour and bitter, much like a blend of bitter orange and lemon. It is prized more for its highly fragrant oil and zest.

While small amounts of food-grade bergamot oil in tea are common, large quantities of the essential oil are considered unsafe for children and have caused serious side effects. Consult a doctor before giving any bergamot supplements to children.