Ingredient Spotlight: Bergamot

If you’ve ever had a cup of Earl Grey tea, you’ve had bergamot. Earl Grey tea’s characteristic citrus/floral flavor comes from the addition of dried bergamot peel or bergamot oil. Bergamot is a type of citrus that originated in Italy and is believed to be a cross between a lime and a sour orange.

The rind of bergamot contains a large amount of essential oil, which have both culinary and cosmetic purposes. The flesh is very sour and does very well in curds and marmalades. The zest of bergamot is often used in pastries and other sweet confections.

Things To Do With Fresh Bergamot:
• Bergamot Marmalade – David Lebovitz
• Bergamot Curd – Yum in Tum
• Oyster Mushroom Salad with Bergamot – Chocolate & Zucchini

Related:
The Tea Lady: Part V: Earl Grey
Do You Know of a Recipe for Earl Grey Cake?
A Roundup Of Some Japanese Citrus Fruit
Seasonal Spotlight: Rangpur Limes

(Image: Kathryn Hill)