Bergamot

Bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia) is a small, roughly pear-shaped citrus fruit, which grows on small trees known as bergamots. It is a cross between pear lemon and Seville orange or grapefruit. Production of bergamot is mostly limited to the Ioanion, coastal region of the province of Reggio Calabria, South Italy. Where the soil and climatic conditions are very favourable for its cultivation.It is also cultivated in Ivory Coast, Argentina and Brazil. 
But in no other part of the world does it fructify with the same yield and quality of essence. Bergamot is named after Italian city of Bergamo, in which its oil was first sold. It has become a symbol of the entire region and city.This fruit is not edible and is cultivated for production of its essential oil.The essential oil of bergamot is expressed from the ripe fruit peel and is used extensively in perfumery for its sweet freshness. 
Bergamot oil is also used for flavouring purposes e.g. Earl Grey tea and the so called althea drops, candy-making.It is also used in aroma therapy to treat depression and also as a digestive aid. Its scent is fruity-sweet with mild spicy note. Bergamot oil is used in production of both female and male perfumes and in most fragrance groups, mainly in top notes.
It was a component of the original Eau de Cologne developed in Germany in the 17th century and today is used in different proportions in almost all modern perfumes.During citrus season in France, if you’re lucky, you’ll run across something called a bergamot. They are not brilliant yellow like regular lemons. 
But a sort of orangey color and when split open they are quite juicy. The flavor is much sweeter than regular lemons. In fact they often call them citrons doux, which translates to “sweet lemons.” Production mostly is limited to the Ionian Sea coastal areas of the province of Reggio di Calabria in Italy, to such an extent that it is a symbol of the entire city.
Most of the bergamot comes from a short stretch of land there where the temperature is favourable. It is also cultivated in Cote d'Ivoire.But the quality of the obtained essence is not comparable with the essence produced from the bergamots of Reggio due to the argillite, limestone and alluvial deposits found there.
Two of these, Brutieridin and Melitidin, directly inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in a similar way to statins and they are not found in any other citrus derivatives.One of the finest Top Note materials , the beauty of this oil is unimaginable. Can be used from 0.5% to 10%. An absolute beauty !!! It imparts freshness and diffusion.