Bergamot© Denzil Green
Bergamot is an herb which is a member of the mint family. You can use its leaves in tea — some American Indians did, such as the Oswegos — or sparingly in salads. Some say it is also good with pork dishes. Its scent comes from the oil it contains, Thymol.
Bergamot can be invasive in gardens and should be treated with the same containment measures as mint.
The Bergamot used in Earl Grey tea is completely different; it is a small orange grown mostly in Southern Italy.
This Bergamot is not the same as Bergamot mint.
History Notes
It is called Bergamot because its aroma apparently is similar to that of a Bergamot Orange. The plant has dark pink, red or purple flowers that smell a bit like oranges.