Bronzi Di Riace Main LogoCalabria holds many troves, some still little known, others famous throughout the world.
Alongside the magnificent Riace Bronzes, the Bergamot of Reggio Calabria is undoubtedly another treasure of our land, where it has found its best natural habitat. For three centuries bergamots have carried with them the sun and colours of this extraordinary land everywhere.
Bergamot: rare and precious essence
Ever since its appearance, bergamot has stood out for its intense and intoxicating aroma. All over Europe, people would vie for a few drops of bergamot essence. The lucky possessors would enjoy a unique olfactory experience, which, with its persistence, would grant them distinction and make them feel well.
From the beginning, it was used in many different fields, from medicine to gastronomy. However, with the creation of Eau de Cologne, Bergamot finally conquered the hearts – and noses – of the wealthiest Europeans.
And yet, it was difficult to grow and the harvest was always poor: the few fruits that could be plucked from the plants painstakingly grown in large pots yielded only few drops of the most coveted essence.
Luckily, Bergamot was brought to Reggio Calabria, where it found the perfect mix of sun, sea breeze, soil and just the right amount of water that allowed it to grow and bear fruit as never before.
The mid 18th century
Since the mid 18th century, the Bergamot of Reggio Calabria has gradually spread throughout the world, providing relief and health – its use in pharmacy and medicine was already well-known and established.
In the second half of the 20th century, however, Bergamot was threatened by artificial aromas. Yet again, the Prince of Citrus fruits found the strength to reassert its uniqueness, re-launching itself for different applications than just as a perfume.
Bergamot of Reggio Calabria today
Today, clinical studies are being conducted on Bergamot of Reggio Calabria, confirming its successful use as a natural solution against high blood cholesterol. It is also becoming an increasingly successful ingredient in the recipes of Reggio Calabria’s pastry chefs and cooks.
Today, the Bergamot of Reggio Calabria is a unique and unrepeatable agricultural produce which fully identifies with this land.
Over the centuries, only few dozens of fortunate visitors have had the opportunity to get to know Bergamot directly in its land of origin. Today it is available to all those who do not want to give up a full sensory experience that will indelibly engage all their senses.
