The bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) is a citrus fruit, small and roughly pear shaped. The fruit, produced in Italy, is a cross between the pear lemon and the Seville orange or grapefruit.
The fruit is sour, and its aromatic peel is used to produce an essential oil that is used in Earl Grey tea, in perfumery, and in aromatherapy to treat depression. It is also used as a digestive aid. It was a component of the original Eau de Cologne developed in Germany in the 17th century.
At least one Italian food manufacturer produces a commercial marmalade using this fruit as its principal ingredient. It is also popular in Greece as a preserve, made with bergamot peel boiled in sugar syrup.
The Bergamot orange is unrelated to the herb of the same name.
The oil has been linked to several negative side-effects such as photosensitivity and the prevention of intestinal absorption of potassium. [1], [2]
Bergamot oil has been used to stimulate hairgrowth.[citation needed]