Bergamot juice, simply pure and vitamin-packed!

Bergamot juice, a precious food with a thousand beneficial properties. The bergamot is a citrus fruit similar in size to an orange. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is primarily cultivated in the coastal area, particularly in Calabria. The fruit has a green peel and is round in shape, slightly flattened at the poles. It is used for extracting essential oil, which has always been known for its beneficial properties: it prevents skin problems and cardiovascular diseases in particular. It has always been used in cosmetics for the preparation of soaps and perfumes, but also in the food sector, through the preparation of herbal teas and the fabulous bergamot juice. 
 

BERGAMOT: THE PROPERTIES OF THE PRECIOUS FRUIT

Bergamot is used in many fields, and depending on the final use, the essential oil or the juice will be extracted. The essential oil is obtained from the peel of the citrus fruit, extracted through cold pressing. This oil is useful in medicine as it helps to combat intestinal infections, colic, and due to the presence of flavonoids such as hesperitin and naringenin, it is also a natural antioxidant. It is used as a calming agent for anxiety, to promote sleep, and due to its antibacterial properties, it is used as a balsamic for the respiratory tract. The properties of bergamot are truly infinite: the University of Tor Vergata has found that the juice of the fruit is a natural remedy for fighting cholesterol. Moreover, it has energizing and toning properties. 

The juice also contains two active natural principles that act as a natural statin, helping to lower triglyceride and blood sugar levels, as well as those of bad cholesterol. All this, without causing side effects! But it doesn't end here! Besides being particularly indicated for those suffering from cardiovascular disorders, bergamot juice is an excellent support for those with bone disorders as it contains vitamins C, B1, B2, A, and E in abundance. 
 

BERGAMOT JUICE, NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Bergamot juice is composed of about 80% water and is rich in vitamins, like most citrus fruits. It is a source of flavonoids, natural antioxidants, but that's not all: the juice also contains citric acid, sugars, proteins, dietary fibers, pectins, and phosphates. Bergamot juice also provides a good amount of minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The average nutritional values per 100 g report energy of 41.22 kcal, fats 0.09 g, of which saturated fatty acids 0.02 g. Then 10.77 g of carbohydrates, of which 2.5 are sugars. Proteins 0.010 g, fibers 5.65 g, and very little salt, 0.001 g. No problem for those who suffer from hypertension!
 

BERGAMOT IN COSMETICS

The essential oil of bergamot has always had a great use in the cosmetic field. It has always been used in perfumery for the production of soaps and perfumes, but it should not be forgotten that due to its properties it is also useful for healing cosmetics: for its healing action, it is used for the preparation of special creams for the face and body. Due to its warming virtues, it is useful for reactivating circulation through the production of lotions, and added to shampoos, it is effective in combating dandruff and hair loss. Not only that: having antifungal properties, it is useful for treating fungal infections of the nails or fingers.
 

BERGAMOT JUICE, VALUABLE IN THE KITCHEN! SUGGESTIONS AND RECIPES

Bergamot juice can be consumed diluted with water at 30 or 50%, as being pure, it can be very strong to consume alone. The juice in its intact packaging can be stored for one year, but once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a maximum of 5 or 6 days, to maintain the integrity of the pure, fresh product. To benefit from its beneficial properties, it is recommended to drink three glasses a day, one with each meal, or in the mid-afternoon for a tasty and refreshing break, as well as nutritious. 

The aid of bergamot juice in the kitchen is precious for both sweet and savory recipes. The peel of the fruit can also be used, to be incorporated into dough instead of grated lemon. It can also be used for making excellent jams, desserts, and biscuits. In the savory version, bergamot juice is also used to flavor oil. You can infuse the peel in a quarter liter of oil for a month. The resulting oil is excellent for dressing salads, fish, and pasta. 

Among the recipes, we recommend the bergamot-scented cake, simple and quick to prepare, as well as surely effective. You will need the classic ingredients for homemade cakes: flour, milk, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and powdered sugar. Of course, the juice of bergamot.  Mix the ingredients until smooth and fluffy, then bake at 180 degrees for about 40 minutes. Remember to check the baking by gently inserting a toothpick into the cake. Once ready, dust with powdered sugar. The result? A simple, soft cake with an overwhelming Mediterranean bergamot aroma! Enjoy your meal!

Spaghetti & Mandolino recommends the pure bergamot juice Bio from the Consorzio Motta: it is 100% natural, without added additives, sugars, water, or preservatives. Only the best Calabrian bergamots, to bring to your table a pure juice, with an irresistible Mediterranean aroma. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the intense aroma of Mediterranean bergamot: a joy for the senses, and for your health!

Antonella Iannò

S&M