Known for its fragrance that flavours tea, bergamot is a fruit with refined lemony and tangy flavours. Rich in essential oils, it can be used in cooking, to make jams, candied peels, cakes or even sweets: the famous Bergamote de Nancy, which form part of Lorraine's gastronomic heritage. But did you know you can also make syrup from it? Discover our tips to make bergamot syrup.
What is bergamot and when to harvest the fruits?
Used since the 18th century to flavour Earl Grey tea or to make perfumes, the bergamot is an evergreen tree that bears small, very fragrant white flowers from April to May. These are followed by green then yellow fruits, which resemble small oranges. They are generally harvested in October and November and sometimes through winter. They are picked at ripeness (yellow) but can also be harvested when green.
Le Citrus bergamia est un arbuste pouvant atteindre une hauteur de 3 à 4 mètres. Son habit est buissonnant et érigé. Il apprécie la chaleur et le soleil. Sensible au gel, il peut être cultivé dans les régions froides dans un bac, ce qui permet de le rentrer à l'abri dans une véranda l'hiver.
It is mainly cultivated in southern Italy, in the Calabria region. It is thought to be the result of a hybridization between Citrus limetta (sweet lime) and Citrus aurantium (bitter orange).
How to make bergamot syrup?
Ingredients
- between 3 and 6 bergamots depending on taste, preferably organic
- 250 ml water
- 500 g sugar
Equipment
Also prepare a saucepan, a sieve, a wooden spatula and a glass bottle.
Recipe
- Wash the bergamots
- Press the fruits to extract the juice
- Remove the zest and the pith
- Set the zest aside
- In a saucepan, heat the water until it boils.
- Pour the water over the zest, cover and let steep for several hours.
- In a saucepan, heat the mixture and the sugar and bring to the boil for a few minutes.
- Add the bergamot juice and heat again until it comes to the boil.
- As soon as it boils, remove from heat and let rest.
How to store and enjoy bergamot syrup?
Strain the mixture, then pour into a glass bottle and place in the fridge. You can also sterilise the bottle for longer storage.
To enjoy this bergamot syrup, mix it with iced water in summer to make a delicious refreshing lemonade. It can also be used in various kinds of drinks: with lemonade, fruit juices, infusions.
You can also add a few drops to tea to flavour it and savour famous bergamot tea. Alternatively: add it to a cake recipe, to yoghurt or even to homemade ice cream.
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