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Bergamot (Monarda didyma) |
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time for Tea in the Garden... In the Garden | Culinary | Fragrance | Medicinal use Popular Garden Varieties
Bergamot |
Top In the GardenGrowth Characteristics: - Perennial, Deciduous, Frost hardy,
- Bright red, claw-shaped flowers, with red-green bracts, are produced in terminal whorls in summer,
- Bergamot is semi-dormant during winter and new growth shoot up during Spring,
- Height: ± 1 m; Spread: ± 1 m,
Cultivation: - Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,
Harvesting: - Pick fresh leaves throughout the year.
- For the best taste, harvest the leaves just before flowering.
- Leaves can be dried, but flowers are best when used fresh.
Companion Planting: - The colourful flowers attract bees and butterflies, and is therefore a good companion for plants that need insect pollination. Bergamot is also known as Bee Balm,
Top Culinary use- Use Bergamot leaves and flowers with:
- Summer fruit drinks or punches,
- Gives the "Earl Grey" taste to tea,
- Flower Petals in Salads, Fruit Salads, Jams, Jellies, Milk,
- Stuffings, Pork,
- Use fresh or dried flowers in flower arrangements,
Top Fragrance- Bergamot is part of the Mint family with a pungent citrus-like flavour,
- Use leaves and flowers in Potpourri,
Top Medicinal useBergamot may be beneficial in the following cases: | Nervous system | |
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| Respiratory system | - Steam inhalation for bronchial catarrh and sore throats,
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| Digestive system | - Flatulence, Stomach cramps, Intestinal colic, Weak digestion, Nausea,
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| Reproductive system | |
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Preperation & Dosage: - Drink a cup of tea as necessary,
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