It’s a terrible cliche but certain smells really do transport me straight back to specific times and places, and bergamot is one of those smells. A little scratch of the skin and bang! I’m in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus. My Grandpa’s village uses fresh bergamot to flavour their famous ‘Phini delight’ – their take on Turkish delight. I am obviously terribly biased but it is insanely good and nothing like some of the rubbery rubbish you get. It’s soft and silky and melts in your mouth. And the bergamot flavour is so much more delicate than rose water. Whoever goes over to visit the motherland always brings a load of boxes back and it has to be rationed amongst us. We can’t get enough of the stuff.

Unfortunately bergamot isn’t that widely available over here. Most commonly known to us Brits for its presence in Earl Grey tea (and perfumes and candles) the fruit itself can be hard to get hold of. But it’s not impossible, and if you live near a Mediterranean greengrocers or a good farmers market you might be in luck. Unlike oranges, the flesh is too sour to eat straight up, but that makes it perfect for cooking with, and I’ve made one of the best limoncello style liqueurs before with a bag or bergamots and a bottle of gin. I’ve also got a batch of bergamot and orange blossom truffles on the go at the moment, but I’ll have to get back to you on that one (so far so good). Read more…