Bergamot growing and the producing and marketing of its essence, have been for the last sixty years, one of the few agricultural enterprises that have given a breath of international air to Calabria.

Apart from any cultural aspect there have been too, considerable benefits from the marketing of these essences to perfume manifacturers all over the world.

The best and vigorous bergamot trees grows only along the costal areas of Reggio Calabria and give the best fragrance for all the important parfume realizations. 

The Ministry of Agricultural Policies (Official Gazette R.I. 30.04.1999) has now recognised the bergamot essence from Reggio Calabria as a product of Protected Denomination of Orign (D.O.P.).

The Calabrian Regional Board now realises the importance that this exporting has had, and can have in the future in the Regional Budget and, therefore its responsabilities both in the scientific and cultural fields towards and enterprise that has such an exclusive hold on world market.

The origins of the Bergamot tree are uncertain.

Most experts believe that it is a mutant of other species. All sorts of theories have been suggested as to the country of origin: China, The Barbados, Greece, Spain, The Canary Islands, but however the only place in the world where the Bergamot tree bears fruits is this small area of Calabria.

The probable etymology of the name is beg-armudi (the lord's pear) in Turkish because of the resemblance to a pear that the Bergamot fruit has.

With its 350 chemical components, the essential oil of Bergamot is indispensable for the international perfume industry as it not only has the function of fixing the aromatic bouquet of the perfumes but also of harmonising the other essences that are contained, exalting the notes of freshness and of fragrance.

Bergamot essential oil has an uplifting aroma, is excellent for breathing difficulties, antiseptic for wounds, abscesses, mouth infections and herpes.

Used to stable the emotions, an energising oil, Bergamot is uplifting and balancing, helping to alleviate anxiety, depression, fear or listlessness and encourages a restful nights sleep.

In creams or massage oils it is good for oily skin and well used to reduce acne, and eczema. Use in vaporizer to disperse unwanted odours or makes a wonderful room spray in times of illness or depression, cleansing, deodorizing, and keeping for insects away.

Bergamots therapeutic properties include analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and vulnerary.

Bergamot is a photo sensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight.