Bergamot tea, most famously enjoyed as Earl Grey, is one of the most iconic flavored teas in the world. Its distinctive citrus aroma and floral notes come from the bergamot orange—a fragrant fruit cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Calabria region of southern Italy. But how exactly does this vibrant fruit make its way into your comforting cup of tea? Let’s take a journey from orchard to teacup.
The Star Ingredient: Bergamot
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a small, pear-shaped citrus fruit that looks like a cross between a lime and an orange. While it’s too sour to eat fresh, its aromatic peel holds precious essential oil—golden liquid prized for its uplifting scent and flavor. The oil is also valued in perfumes, skincare, and aromatherapy, but in the tea world, it transforms simple tea leaves into something extraordinary.
Infusing the Flavor: Two Main Methods
1. Coating with Essential Oil
In this traditional method, the tea leaves are sprayed or gently coated with cold-pressed bergamot essential oil. The oil binds to the surface of the tea, and as the leaves dry, they absorb the aroma. This creates a bold, aromatic cup with a pronounced citrus presence. High-quality Earl Grey teas often use pure oil from freshly harvested bergamots, ensuring a clean and vibrant flavor.
2. Mixing with Bergamot Rinds
Instead of oil, some producers mix dried bergamot peels or rinds directly into the tea leaves. As the tea steeps, the citrus essence naturally infuses into the brew, producing a softer, more rounded flavor profile. This method can add a subtle complexity, especially when paired with delicate teas like oolong or white tea.
Creating bergamot tea is both a science and an art. The ratio of tea to bergamot must be balanced—too much oil can make the tea taste overpowering, while too little can leave it underwhelming. Master blenders experiment with various combinations, adjusting infusion times, leaf grades, and even the harvest season of the tea to achieve the perfect harmony. Every sip of bergamot tea is the result of careful cultivation, precise blending, and centuries of tradition. From the sun-drenched groves where bergamot fruit ripens to the skilled hands of tea blenders, it’s a journey that captures nature’s vibrance in every cup.
