What Is Bergamot Tea?

Tea is a delicious beverage enjoyed around the world. Bergamot is an ingredient commonly found in tea, particularly Earl Grey tea.

Bergamot Oil

According to the Tending Toward Tea site, bergamot is a type of orange. An oil is extracted from the rind, which is known as bergamot essence. Bergamot oil is often used for relaxation and getting to sleep.

Teas

Bergamot was first introduced into tea by the Chinese. The modern-day tea that's commonly known as Earl Grey was named for Charles Grey, who asked Richard Twining to duplicate the Chinese bergamot tea. Although Earl Grey is still one of the more common types of tea with bergamot, Lady Grey and Green Grey teas are also popular.

How to Prepare

Tea can be prepared a variety of ways. Usually, bergamot is served a hot beverage. Earl Grey is often served black, with milk, or lemon. Sometimes sugar is added to bring out the flavors.

Where to Find

Earl Grey tea is easy to find and can be found at almost any grocery store. Specialty tea shops, coffee shops and gourmet markets will often offer a wider selection of teas flavored with bergamot.

Other Uses for Bergamot

If you enjoy bergamot tea, you might be interested in knowing that the bergamot rind is sometimes candied and used in recipes much the same way as other citrus rinds.

Resources

• Tending Toward Tea
• History of Twinings Tea: Earl Grey
• Tea Infusion: Tea History