Discovering The Fragrant Allure of Bergamot In Perfumery

This one-of-a-kind citrus fruit known as bergamot is about the size of a miniature orange and yellow or green in color, depending on its level of ripeness.

Its taste is lemon-like but much sweeter, and genetic research has established that it is a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange.

Considered a unique delicacy, it stands apart from other citrus fruits in several ways.

For one, it is extremely sour in taste but as a scent is highly aromatic, spicy and heady.

For another, bergamot oils, unlike other essential oils, are distilled via a cold compression process rather than via steam.

Bergamot is everywhere, especially in the world of perfumery, as perfumers treasure this coveted oil as a vital, potent top note used in many of their fragrances, especially those that are fresh in character.

It is highly versatile and also found within other fragrance families including: floral, chypre, woody and ambery.

Bergamot serves as one of the important notes found in the Chypre accord, particularly where it deftly blends with passionate rose, rich intense jasmine, earthy, amber-nuanced oak moss, dark, intoxicating patchouli and dry, fruity labdanum.

Bergamot trees, which are known as Citrus bergamia, bloom in May until sometime in June, depending on temperatures.

They can grow up to eight feet high with star-shaped, white flowers and smooth leaves that develop small, delicate, yellow and round fruit that are known as bergamot oranges.

When exposed to light or oxygen, the color of the essential oil lightens to yellow or pale olive brown.

The harvest process starts early in mid November and lasts until late February or March, and is contingent upon the abundance of the harvest.

A Short History of Bergamot

The complete history and development of this unique citrus fruit is not certain.

Its name derives from the northern Italian city of Bergamo, which is located in Lombardy where the essential oil was originally sold.

Today, however, its chief producers are further south in the sunny, mountainous region of southern Italy (Calabria).

It is known that the fruit juice was used by ancient Mediterranean populations to treat malaria and to expel intestinal worms, and the oil served both as an antiseptic and to reduce fevers.

Italians have used bergamot for hundreds of years to reduce stress and rejuvenate the skin. 

In Greece, unripe fruits serve to this day as sweet-meats consumed by the spoonful, either as dessert or with coffee.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, bergamot was used consistently in fine perfumes, scented soaps and in teas.

It was the primary ingredient in the original eau-de-cologne that was popularized by the royal European courts during the 18th century and is the primary scent behind the flavor and aroma of Earl Grey Tea.

The Extraction Of Bergamot Oil

Bergamot’s labor-intensive extraction was done by hand up until the mid 19th century.

Today, the essential oil undergoes a scraping process using peeling equipment known as a pelatrice.

Its sole job is to peel the fruit, which then creates an emulsion via water sprays that is further subjected to centrifugal force, which separates the water and the oil. 

More than four hundred pounds of fruit are necessary to produce two pounds of the precious essential oil.

Its Alluring Appeal Within Perfumery

There is something about the essential oil derived from the bergamot tree that is unlike anything else in the world.

Many describe the unique scent as being similar to that of a sweet orange nuanced by touches of fresh fruit and spice.

Certainly citrus, it is markedly more understated when compared to others of its ilk.

Bergamot oil is a mood booster that inspires and uplifts the human spirit.

Its distinctive fresh scent is often blended in the many refined fragrances with radiant floral notes such as: dreamy, red rose, rich, intense jasmine and smooth, sugary lavender.

The Key Elements Found In Bergamot

A 2019 study indicated that bergamot essential oil contains more than 100 volatile compounds.

The oil also contains a large variety of flavonoids, which are substances that offer medical benefits including: anti carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

It is a more mellow and subdued citrus when compared to others of its ilk and is renowned for its ability to seamlessly fuse with all other notes without overwhelming a fragrance.

Some say this one-of a-kind scent resembles sugary, light orange peel oil with a distinct floral note.

3 Deliciously Fragrant Bergamot-Infused Diffuser Oils

Below are several timeless fragrances developed by our perfumers that contain enigmatic and beautiful bergamot essential oil. 

Oud Wood Bergamot

Head notes stream with a mellow fusion featuring spicy, refreshing bergamot and smooth, mellow lavender.

These entrancing facets soon fold into a vibrant heart of warm, honeyed amber and spicy pepper.

An aromatic dry down of earthy, sensual patchouli and smoky, woody and musky oud complete this mystical fragrance. 

Rose Bergamot

This intense fragrance streams with head notes marked by aspects of potent, minty spearmint and warm honeyed,  berry-like cassis and touches of bergamot.

A floral/fruity heart soon takes hold marked by facets of passionate, musky red rose, crisp green apple and piquant and fiery carnation.

This robust scent completes with a dry down of robust, woody leafy green and earthy, erotic musk.

Utopia

This warm spring fragrance opens with flowing aspects of uplifting grapefruit, complex and pleasing bergamot, clean, fresh linen basking in the sun’s glorious rays and heady, pure white flowers.

A woody/floral heart soon takes hold marked by facets of creamy, mellow sandalwood, intoxicating jasmine, and violet-nuanced and fragile muguet. 

Potent, dark patchouli and earthy, erotic musk form the dry down that completes this compelling scent.

Breath In The Aromatic Beauty of Bergamot

The refreshing citrus scent of bergamot uplifts the spirit and adds a touch of sunny warmth to any space or blend, and our diffuser oils are no exception.

Infused with the citrusy essence of bergamot, they will not only elevate any space but also evoke a sense of serenity and sophistication.

Try any one of them and allow them to transport your soul to a sanctuary of timeless serenity and fragrant bliss.