How To Grow and Use Bergamot
by Patsy Collins on Sep 29, 2009 with 0 Comments
Monarda didyma is also known as Bee Balm or Oswego tea. This hardy perennial grows to between two and three feet and produces bright flowers during summer and autumn.
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Bergamot is often grown as an ornamental plant. Bergamot grows best in rich moist soil in a lightly shaded position. It can be easily propagated from root cuttings or division. The plant does spread, but is less invasive by mint and can usually be kept under control if planted into a border. As it can die away from the centre if it becomes congested best results are obtained from regular division.
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There are other varieties available in a range of colours of red, pink and purple shades, but known of these are as well scented as the true Monarda didyma. Monarda fistulosa is similar and can be used for the same culinary and medicinal purposes. This type prefers a drier location and also makes a good border plant. An unusual and attractive relation is Monarda punctata, sometimes known as horse mint. It produces yellow flowers and whorls of white bracts. It should not be consumed.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried to produce a herbal tea. It is reputed to relieve; indigestion, menstrual pain, vomiting and flatulence. Despite the similar scent, Bergamot is not the flavouring used in Earl Grey tea (that comes from bergamot oranges)
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The dried leaves can also be used in pot pourri and herbal pillows.
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Published in: Cooking
