Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.

ORIGIN DATA:

Fantastico Bergamot is a recent hybrid obtained after a cross between the Femminello and Castagnaro bergamots. No specific data are available, but it presumably originated in Italy. It is one of the three varieties of bergamot cultivated in Calabria (Italy), being the most important at this time. It maintains the quality of the essential oils of the Femminello variety, plus the vigor and productivity of its other parent, the Castagnaro. and Fantastico ripens slightly later.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Vigorous and productive tree. Fruits are larger than those of Femminello, of pyriform morphology and persistent style. Bright yellow color at optimum ripening. Thin and slightly rough rind, very aromatic, with high quality essential oils. Its flowers and leaves are also very aromatic.

USES:

It is used to obtain essential oils for fine perfumery, cosmetics or aromatherapy, as well as for the food industry (liqueurs, sweets, jams, Earl Grey tea…). It is also used for the preparation of jams. Recently, it has been demonstrated that its juice, like that of its parents, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol properties.