Bergamot Tea

One of the most common tea filler additives is princely pear or citrus bergamia.

The taste of this sophisticated treat cannot be confused with anything & ndash; a little spicy, tart, both refreshing and warming.

In this article, we will figure out what it is bergamot, or monarda, which is added to brewed tea, and how it looks in the photo.

Basics

Biologists have assigned this plant to a subspecies of citrus.

In appearance, the fruit resembles a green lemon or shriveled lime.

Extensive plantations are located in the province of Calabria in southern Italy, also found in South American and Mediterranean states, where a warm, subtropical climate prevails.

A popular additive was formed by mixing citron and Pomeranian.

During flowering & ndash; unusual, mottled and voluminous buds spread a pleasant sweet aroma. The fruits themselves are covered with an impressive dense layer of peel and are characterized by a richer taste than other citrus fruits, with a bitter sour, even cloying note, so they are not used in food.

Many people are interested in how bergamot grows, which is often added to tea. In nature & ndash; it is a tree-like plant that can reach a height of 10 meters. Seedlings are unpretentious, so they can be easily grown on the windowsill of a house or apartment.

From inflorescences, leaves and peels, hand-pressed essential oil is obtained, which has a floral smell and is distinguished by a bright emerald greenish color.

The product is widely used in cosmetology, perfumery and food industries.

Origin History

The name suggests that the pear-shaped fruit came from Bergamo, Italy.

But dozens of legends tell how the drink became really popular.

According to one of them, it is believed that it was delivered from China to England when the British lord, in gratitude for saving him from certain death from a Chinese mandarin, received several samples.

They liked politics and quickly won the love of the local population, which even began to name tea with bergamot Earl Gray after the distributor. After, it spread to all of Europe.

This drink tastes like ripe tangerine, Sicilian orange, notes of unripe kiwi and sour lemon, popular all over the world, among lovers of different tea varieties.

Varieties

Bergamot tea is divided into black and green.

Black is more common, as it satisfies the tastes of most gourmets. It promotes skin rejuvenation, tones, gives a boost of vigor.

Green is less popular, although it contains an impressive amount of caffeine and may well replace a cup of morning coffee.

Grade with such additive & ndash; it is a combination of tea leaf blend and bergamot oil. Different types of tea leaves are used as the main product & ndash; Ceylon, Chinese, or Indian.

The most popular product with bergamot & ndash; Earl Grey, which is a traditional drink in England. Sometimes, when dry, it is even added to the dough.

It is believed that pastries with this additive acquire a thin, slightly noticeable aroma and remain fresh for a long time.

Chemical composition and caloric content

A diet drink contains only 2 calories per 100 grams, so even with constant use without sweeteners, extra pounds will not be added.

Bergamiot: vitamin groups, aldehyde citral, pantocrinic acid, tannins, caffeine.

Benefits for Men and Women

Many people just like the tart sweet and sour aftertaste of bergamot, so it is used as a favorite product, however, few people wonder how useful fetal oil is.

In addition to cheerfulness and tonic effect, tea with bergamot:

• improves metabolism. Helps to quickly remove toxins, heavy metals, slags from the body;
• induces appetite and stabilizes metabolism;
• is antipyretic and anti-inflammatory;
• activates brain activity, strengthens memory;
• is an antiseptic and is indicated for anyone suffering from digestive, urinary and respiratory system problems;
• improves psycho-emotional state, helps to cope with depression and nervous excitement;
• has a beneficial effect on male strength;
• helps to reduce the sugar fraction in the blood, protects blood vessels from cholesterol.

It is a good prophylactic against colds and acute respiratory diseases, characterized by a general strengthening effect on the body.

Princely pear has a positive effect on skin health, brightens and cleanses, gives it a healthy look, gets rid of age spots and freckles. It also normalizes the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands, being an indispensable means of cleaning the integument in oily and mixed skin types.

Another unusual plus is that the plant is a powerful aphrodisiac and is able to attract the soul mate. They say it's enough to get her drunk with a cup of fragrant drink from their hands.

Use by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

Ladies in position can take bergamot tea decoction. However, it is not recommended to exceed the daily allowance of two cups.

Due to the caffeine content, more can cause tachycardia and headache.

In the postpartum period, the drink is also allowed.

Moderate norms will have a calming effect, prevent the development of depression and increase lactation.

But it is worth watching the baby's reaction after feeding. If he shows signs of allergy & ndash; reception should be excluded.

Use for children

Tannins and caffeine have a detrimental effect on the body condition of a small child. Accordingly, tea with bergamot is not recommended for children under 12 years old. More than two cups a day will not be beneficial when you reach that age.

Possible allergies to essential oil constituents and reactions when certain diseases are detected should also be considered. Therefore, it is better to include such a drink in the diet only after consulting with your doctor.

Weight loss benefits

Of course, tea alone will not dissolve body fat.

However, it is effective in combination with moderate physical activity and proper nutrition.

The polyester compounds contained in the formulation break down the fat.

The drink normalizes metabolism and contributes to the correct distribution of incoming kilocalories.

Diabetes benefits

If you consume Earl Grey in moderation & ndash; it does not affect the glucose in the blood and has no negative effects. However, it is not recommended to add sugar and sweeteners to the cup.

Effect on blood pressure

Studies by scientists have shown that the very presence of an acidic fetus or its derivatives in tea has no effect on blood pressure.

But, all hypertensive patients and people with vascular and heart diseases should refrain from any strong and hot decoction.

Under reduced pressure

If hypotension or low pressure is detected in a chronic form, experts recommend drinking black tea with bergamot.

Bitterly strong and boiled & ndash; it may have little impact on metrics.

At increased pressure

For hypertension, green tea varieties should be consumed cold. At the same time, the pressure, of course, will not decrease, but it will not increase either, which will already be good for patients of such a group.

How to properly brew bergamot tea

Brewing methods and nuances significantly affect the quality, taste and health of bergamot tea.

If done according to the instructions, the liquid in the cup will be a luminous, sunny amber shade and a rich honey lemon-tart taste.

• Before filling the ingredients in the brew, the leaves must be scalded several times with boiled water. This not only kills germs, but also warms up the walls of the vessel.

• Next, you should add the required amount of brew inside: one teaspoon is enough for a container of 200 ml, for 400 ml & ndash; twice as much & ndash; two teaspoons, etc.

• To the edges, fill the vessel with boiling water, close the lid and leave to infuse for 7-10 minutes.

After the time elapses, the contents are poured into a cup & ndash; drink hot or chilled depending on health and wishes. You can further dilute the brew with boiling water.

If you go too far with the amount of dry stock & ndash; the drink will be bitter, oversaturated and viscous, and if, on the contrary, put little & ndash; water will not turn into a bright shade, the taste will be weak and will not be pleasant.

What bergamot is added to tea & ndash; cooking secrets

The traditional, simplest recipe is popular, in which tea leaves are poured with boiling water and infused without any additives.

But there are two interesting cooking methods that are suitable for the warm and cold season.

Earl Grey Summer Tea Brewing Option

In summer, there is so little coolness and freshness. Many forgo warm, warming drinks in favor of refreshments.

If you want to quench your thirst and at the same time use your favorite princess pear & ndash; For this case, use the following procedure:

• green or black tea with bergamot is poured into the kettle and poured with water heated to 80 degrees;
• wait 5 minutes for the liquid to pick up the color, smell and beneficial properties of the leaves, pour into a convenient container and cool to room temperature;
• the cooled decoction is poured into ice molds and sent to the freezer;
• while the pieces are exposed to negative temperatures, 4-5 medium lemons are squeezed into the vessel;
• lemon juice is mixed with a little water and granulated sugar is added to taste;
• hardened tea cubes are ground with a blender or manually and thrown into the prepared mixture.

The glass can be decorated with several mint sprigs.

Bergamot tea to strengthen immunity

When the thermometer mark on the street is close to zero, the body requires warming infusions.

In this case, you can use the second unusual brewing method:

• first, everything should be done according to the usual procedure & ndash; scald the brew, throw tea leaves into it, pour boiled water and leave to infuse;
• in a separate container you need to mix fragrant spices: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star stars, nutmeg and also pour boiling water and insist under a closed lid for 15 minutes;
• further, the two mixtures are combined and sweetened with one teaspoon of honey.

Such a decoction is not easy to have a bright, pleasant rich taste, but it can also strengthen the immune system, cheer up, give peace of mind.

When and how best to drink bergamot tea

The daily intake of tea with bergamot should not exceed four cups. If you drink strong tea & ndash; it is better to limit yourself to two glasses, otherwise instead of benefits you will feel a deterioration in well-being.

Due to the caffeine content, invigorating effect and tonic effect, it is better to drink tea with bergamot & nbsp; in the morning. At night, under the influence of components, sleep can be restless.

The drink is not diluted with milk. It overshadows the taste and aroma of bergamot. But honey, on the contrary, fully reveals its properties and enhances the benefits.

Can there be allergies from bergamot

Essential oils can cause a severe allergic reaction, manifested by skin rashes, swelling of the nasal cavity and throat.

If you are drinking a drink for the first time & ndash; it is worth first checking the reaction of your body to the new ingredient and, with noticeable deviations, refuse to use it.

Harm and contraindications

Exceeding the permissible dosage can have a bad effect on well-being.

Contraindications established by medical institutions are considered:

• gynecological diseases, pregnancy (in some cases can cause uterine contraction, premature birth, internal bleeding);
• cardiovascular disease;
• renal failure;
• allergic reaction to bergamot skin oil tea;
• urolithiasis (like any other, this decoction can activate the movement of stones);
• age (exclude for children under 12).

Excessive use of Earl Grey causes tachycardia.

Which one is better: green tea or black

Selection is limited to personal preferences only. The disadvantage of green is its relaxing and calming effect, which is not always appropriate during the work process or outdoor activities. Black, on the other hand, invigorates, tones, refreshes.

When to assemble and how to dry bergamot

The easiest way to stock up on your favorite tea product & ndash; purchase it from the store.

For example, in the assortment of the Russian Tea Company there are several varieties with bergamot:

• “Эрл Грей” - classic taste;
• "Лорд Грей” - organic tea;
• & ldquo; Earl Grey " - if you like green tea.

However, you can make your own blanks.

Monarda is grown on special plantations or on its own garden plots.

Best period for collecting bergamot for tea & ndash; mid or late summer during active flowering. In July/August, the stems are cut together with the buds, at a height of at least 30 cm from the ground.

Dry twigs exclusively by hand, outdoors in a shaded area.

Dried raw materials are ground manually or automatically and laid out in paper bags, linen bags, wooden or glass boxes with a tight lid and stored in a dry place without direct sunlight and air circulation.

The crumbly substance retains its useful properties for one year. After this period, it is best to discard the mixture.

It will not have a negative effect on the body, but the taste, aroma and color of the liquid will not be the same.

Conclusion

Now you know what this bergamot plant is like in how it is used in tea of different varieties.

Butter from buds, leaves and peels of the fruit has a number of useful properties and may well replace a cup of morning coffee.

Main & ndash; observe the dosage of intake and check for allergies and contraindications before use, as well as restrict the access of young children to the drink.