What is Bergamot?

There is an insatiable air of uniqueness that surrounds a bergamot; with its vivid colors, abrupt textures, and indescribable scents, it is sure to catch one’s eye. Bergamot is said to have acquired its name from a small southern Italian town named Bergamo, where it gained its popularity even though the fruit most likely originated in southeast Asia. The bergamot is a size of an orange and has a deep green outer skin that is bumpy in texture. On the inside, the fruit resembles that of a lime with a bright green color. The origins of this fruit are made clear by its rather specific appearance as it is said that it originated from both a lemon and an orange. This strange arrangement of origins allows for a scent whose likeness cannot be replicated. Bergamot is not a rare scent, in fact, it is used in many different cosmetic and household products; however, you may have not been aware of exactly what it was that you were smelling. Similar to other citrus fruits, the bergamot, or bergamot orange, has a strongly potent and refreshing citrusy smell that has some underlying tones of sweetness within it as well. However, its main distinguishing factor that makes the scent of bergamot unique from any other citrus fruit, is its spicy edge that adds a new level of pristine to its scent.

As was mentioned, bergamot is used in an array of products whether it be household cleaning, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and even candle making! Bergamot is said to have a wide and diverse area of usages with an even wider range of benefits. It is said that bergamot can help concerning food poisoning, pain relief, cholesterol control, and most notably, anxiety and depression. A study done in 2015 reported that when mixed in with water, bergamot’s oil reduced anxiety and fatigue in women when smelled.

Besides bergamot’s apparent physical benefits, the acidity of its citrus tones, mixed with its slight sweetness, perfectly balances out the spicy undertones to make any bergamot candle an enjoyable scent that will make any room in your home smell beautiful and unique. TLC happens to have two candles that highlight the unforgettable essence of bergamot: Verdant and A Glass of Red. Verdant is an elegant lemon bergamot candle with undertones of fresh bergamot, lemon zest & green tea meant to illicit a feeling of sophistication with and air of refreshing and light. A Glass of Red is labeled as a bergamot candle with tones of blackberry, plum, pear, bergamot & musk; part of the men’s collection at TLC, this candle will highlight deeper and muskier tones that will perfectly accentuate the spiciness of bergamot.

Bergamot is a beautiful scent simply because of its uniqueness and ability to elegantly diversify itself from the rest of the citrus fruit family in scents. Its edge of spiciness provides a new layer of sophistication to its scent that highlights the refreshing acidity of its citrus base. Placed into a candle with a mixture of other deeply sweet and strongly musky scents, bergamot will blend right in to curate an unforgettable scent perfect for your home or moments of “me time”.

-Kenzington Baxter, Guest Writer

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/bergamot-oil#uses

https://www.fragrancex.com/blog/what-does-bergamot-smell-like/