HERBS DESCRIPTIONS: BERGAMOT
Posted on Apr 02, 2009 under Herbal | No CommentMonarda didyma LABIATAE
Sweet Bergamot, Horsemint, or Oswego Tea—all refer to a shade-loving perennial herb, a native of the New World first reported by Dr Nicholas Monardez, a Spanish physician, in his book Joyfull newes out oj the newe founde world published in England in 1577. (Incidentally in this book he also first described and illustrated the tobacco plant, so perhaps his services to mankind are somewhat doubtful.)
Bergamot leaves and flowers were used freely as a tea substitute in North America and, since the herb was first found near Lake Oswego, this is where it gained one of its names. It is a member of the mint family, and has a period of total dormancy from late autumn till early spring. Put a stake near the roots to remind you where your plant is, so winter digging will not remove it altogether.
In spring, up will come the first tiny fragrant leaves, then long upright stems that will grow to about two feet in height, of similar habit to mint, with the soft velvety leaves set opposite on the stalk. In midsummer, the brilliant red flowering heads appear, a cluster of tiny trumpet-shaped blossoms reminiscent of a small-scale honeysuckle. The bees love the plant, but so do the caterpillars and snails; so keep it sprayed at the first sign of a nibbled leaf and you will have a flamboyant addition to your salad bowl: several of the scarlet flower heads as a garnish, and a few chopped leaves in the salad itself.
When picking the leaves for a hot “brew” (the usual quantity, a small handful to a large cup of water) make sure you don’t finish up with caterpillar tea! Green caterpillars have a perfect camouflage on this plant, and constant vigilance is necessary; but the distinctive appearance and flavour are worth all the time you spend on it. Give it soil rich in leaf-mould and plenty of water. In its natural state it grows in the damp, rich woodland soils where falling leaves each autumn make a perfect winter blanket for it, and their decomposition by the spring gives it necessary food. It will grow happily in the partial shade of taller plants as long as there is room for its roots to forage in damp soil. The rather brittle stems may need light tying and staking to keep the plant neat, for the flowers are rather heavy and tend to pull the branch down. Don’t let that crimson showpiece trail in the dirt.
Like all the mints, bergamot contains thymol, a natural antiseptic, and the tea is very soothing for sore throats. Dried leaves and flower heads can also be put in the canister with ordinary tea to give it a flavour boost.
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