Bergamot

A variety of bitter orange, shaped a bit like a pear, with a peel that produces an oil known as essence of bergamot. This essential oil is used as a flavoring in food and as a component of perfume. The best-known use of the flavoring is in Earl Grey tea. Although not as well known, there are two other plants with the name bergamot: wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), which is also known as horsemint and is used in tea; and Bergamot mint (Mentha aquatica), yet another member of the mint family. Season: Year round.