Bergamot oil, Italy

Category      Essential Oils

Species        Citrus bergamia Risso et

                        Pioteau, fam. Rutaceae

Part                Peel

Method         Cold Press

Class             Ester

Country         Italy

Code              CitBer2

Bergamot oil, Italy


The initial scent is rich, sweet, fruity and should remain so throughout. However, middle notes are oily-herbaceous and somewhat balsamic. The sweetness subsides a bit and a tobacco-like, rich aroma can be detected.

The freshness of the top note is mainly due to terpenes and small amounts of citral and aliphatic aldehydes. Unlike other citrus oils Bergamot has a fixative effect when used in high concentrations. The odor is naturally well balanced through the presence of certain coumarin derivatives. Some of these components are odorless and non-volatile. The main chemical constituent of Bergamot is Linalylacetate.

In Aromatherapy Bergamot is considered good for depression and mental alertness. Blends well with other citrus oils and cilantro.