Orange Bergamot Tree
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: John Rosano II
Posted on: August 6, 1999

I am a novice grower and am interested in the flavoring used in Earl Grey tea. I noticed that under bergamot you make reference to the tropical fruit plant that is grown. This is what I am looking for. I realize both you and myself are located in a northern climate – I am in New Hampshire, US. I am aware of the consideration that is to be used to cultivate this plant or tree. My question is: of the varieties that you are offering are any of these the same that would grow in Calabria, Italy?

So sorry, but the plant used to flavour Earl Gray tea is the bergamot orange, a tree and we do not carry it. However, the fragrance of most of the plants grown from the variety ‘Panorama’ will be very similar and can be used as a substitute to make your own version of earl grey tea. This plant grows in zones 4 to 10 and I expect will do fine in all of Italy.

Additionally: have you ever heard of the Rossano (Eggplant/aubergine)? "La Melanzana Rossanese", I need seeds!

Again, so sorry, but we carry only one variety of eggplant and that is a Japanese cultivar. It is the same species as all other eggplants, but has a unique shape and colour. To get the ‘Rossana’ variety, I would suggest that you get in touch with the Italian consulate and ask them for the names and addresses of Italian vegetable seed companies. If you write to them you should get more leads if not a seed source on the first try.

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