Bergamot essential oil facts for kids
Bergamot essential oil is a special kind of oil that comes from the peel of a bergamot orange fruit. It's called an "essential oil" because it carries the strong smell, or "essence," of the plant it comes from.
This oil is very popular for its unique scent. It smells like a sweet, light orange peel with a hint of flowers.
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What is Bergamot Essential Oil?
Bergamot essential oil is a natural oil taken from the rind (the outer skin) of the bergamot orange. This fruit looks a bit like a small, bumpy orange or lemon. It's mostly grown in a region of Italy called Calabria.
Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the natural aroma and flavor of a plant. They are made through special processes that capture the plant's "essence."
How is Bergamot Oil Made?
The most common way to get bergamot oil is by cold-pressing the fruit's rind. This means the peel is pressed very hard to squeeze out the oil, without using heat. This method helps keep the oil's fresh scent and properties.
Sometimes, the oil can also be extracted using steam, a process called hydrodistillation. However, cold-pressing is usually preferred for bergamot.
What is Bergamot Oil Used For?
Bergamot essential oil has many uses, especially because of its pleasant smell:
- Perfumes: It's a very common ingredient in many perfumes and colognes. Its fresh, citrusy, and slightly floral scent makes it a favorite.
- Flavoring: You might have tasted it in Earl Grey tea. The oil gives this famous tea its special, distinct flavor.
- Aromatherapy: Some people use it in diffusers to make rooms smell nice. The scent is often described as uplifting and calming.
Images for kids
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Bergamot fruits harvested for the production of essential oil
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The Macchina calabrese peeler, invented in 1840 by Nicola Barillà
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Bergamotes de Nancy
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Comparison of bergamot oil obtained from the same raw plant material either by cold pressing or by hydrodistillation (Peratoner) using GC-MS analysis with enantiomeric column
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Patch test
See also
In Spanish: Aceite de bergamota para niños
