Bergamot orange | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Sapindales |
Family: | Rutaceae |
Genus: | Citrus |
Species: | C. bergamia
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Binomial name | |
Citrus bergamia | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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Citrus bergamia, the bergamot orange (pronounced /ˈbɜːrɡəmɒt/), is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green colour similar to a lime, depending on ripeness.
Genetic research into the ancestral origins of extant citrus cultivars found bergamot orange to be a probable hybrid of lemon and bitter orange.[3] Extracts have been used as an aromatic ingredient in food, tea, snus, perfumes, and cosmetics.[4][5] Use on the skin can increase photosensitivity, resulting in greater damage from sun exposure.[4]
The bergamot orange is not edible and is grown only for its fragrant oil, although its peel is sometimes candied.