We have all learned about bergamot, the Calabrian green gold. The 'pear of the gentleman', translation of the name of Turkish origin beg armudi, is a citrus fruit with a thousand virtues that grows in southern Calabria, in the province of Reggio. But not all, perhaps, we knew it was one of the main ingredients of Eau de Cologne.
Cologne water: an Italian invention
Well yes. The beneficial properties of bergamot they have been known since the XNUMXth century. Even then, its essential oil was used as a base for the most famous scented water in the world. The birth of the water of Cologne, from the name of the German city where it was created, is due, not surprisingly, to Italians. The inventor, Giovanni Paolo Feminis, left the Val Vigezzo to move to Germany where, in 1695, he opened a distillery-herbalist. There he began to produce and sell theAqua Mirabilis. It was a scented water, with analgesic, digestive and antiseptic properties.
After his death the recipe passed into the hands of the pupil Giovanni Antonio Farina who modified the formula, embellished and refined it by creating a body water based on Calabrian bergamot. Until then, theEau de Cologne it was flavored with musk, frankincense and roses. Strong fragrances that mixed with the bad smell of the skin they intended to cover generated an unpleasant scent. With the fresh aroma of bergamot, sometimes combined with notes of rosemary, lavender or other citrus fruits, a delicate and fragrant water was produced.
An immediate success for Eau de Cologne ...
It was not long in becoming a success. Within a few decades, about forty Farina companies opened throughout Europe. And thanks to Johann Maria Farina, the first perfume factory in the world opened its doors, now home to the Perfume Museum. This water with rectified potato alcohol, bergamot and other aromas, left to rest for 6 months to a year, drove European high society crazy. Goethe and Voltaire were among the main admirers. Queen Victoria of England had supplies delivered to the court. While Napoleon ordered over 600 bottles a year. He did not give upEau de Cologne not even in battle: it is said that he had one made bottle small, to be carried in a boot, so as to always have it behind.
… Which continues today
In 1862 the Maison Jean-Marie Farine was acquired by Armand Roger and Charles Gallet who registered the brand Eau de Cologne Jean-Marie Extra Vieille Farina in 1907. The new Maison, together with the seventh generation of the Farina family, continues to produce this solution of oils diluted in ethanol with the essential base of bergamot. Feminis-Farina's “La Classica” Cologne continues to be produced. Just as one of the oldest perfumes in the world is still produced. Let's talk of the Original Eau de Cologne n ° 4711 created in 1792 by Wilhelm Mülhens starting from the 'secret' formula ofAqua Mirabilis by Feminis.
Bergamot, the green gold of Calabria
Source of vitamins A, B and C, bergamot lowers blood glucose and bad cholesterol levels. It is, therefore, useful for preventing strokes and heart attacks. It is also used as an analgesic and antipyretic. It has excellent toning and strengthening properties, as well as antiseptic, antibacterial and purifying properties. The essential oil that constitutes it, rich in terpenes and bergaptens, is also antidepressant and relaxing. It has balmy effects on the respiratory tract and can be a natural remedy for bad breath. It is excellent for foot baths and hand baths, as a healing agent and for anti-cellulite massages. It is a 100% versatile product. The small citrus fruit can be eaten and its juice can be drunk. It can be used to embellish dishes and recipes. And it is becoming more and more present in cosmetics: it is used as a base or flavoring for creams, shampoos, shower gels and perfumes. So much so that Dior, thanks to the bergamot, it won the prize of best perfume male of the year.
