Bergamot is a perennial plant that is believed to be native to North America. There are many names for this plant; bee balm, high balm, low balm, mountain balm, Oswego tea, horsemint and mountain mint.
A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years.
WIKIPEDIA
The Oswego tribe made a drink with the red variety of bergamot (Monad didyma). When the colonists boycotted British tea, they turned to the bergamot drink made by native people as an alternative. The Iroquois and Tewa tribes also valued the herbaceous plants. (1)
Both the petals and the leaves can be used in teas and lemonades. The flowers can be used in salads, herb-butter, and other vegetarian dishes. Bergamot blends well with mint, strawberries, seafood and when dried it can make potpourri. The plant also attracts butterflies and bees.
possible health benefits (2)
- May boost heart
- May aid in digestion
- May help with cholesterol
- May help regulate blood pressure levels
Bergamot Ice Tea
Ingredients
- 8 whole bergamot leaves (freshly picked)
- 1 tsp sugar (honey can be used as a substitute, as well as stevia etc…)
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add sugar and leaves in a pot then bring to a boil. Turn off then allow it to steep for several hours.
