Oil of Fallen Bergamots

#### Bergamots "Fallen". Due to weather conditions, mechanical damage, etc., a certain amount of **Bergamot**** **fruits fall to the ground before and during maturity. An essential oil is produced either by cold expression by steam distillation from the peels of these 'fallen" bergamots. These oils are rarely, if ever, ported as such, but they present a certain danger to the quality and reputation of the true bergamot oil because the oil of the fallen fruits is an excellent "cutting" material for the cold- pressed oil from the healthy hand-picked fruits. Oil of **"Fallen" Bergamots **is distinguished by its very high evaporation residue (cold pressed oils from the peel) or a high linalool-linalylester content (steam distilled oil from the peel), and the latter type is easily soluble in alcohol (low content of monoterpenes). Occasionally, the expressed bergamot **peels from the production **of true bergamot oil are steam distilled. They yield an essential oil which is rich in monoterpenes and low in linalool-linalylacetate. This oil, too, presents a threat to the quality of the true bergamot oil. Considering the fact that many tons of oil from "fallen" bergamots and "used" bergamot peels are produced every year, a certain risk is encountered in the maintenance of a high reputation for the true bergamot oil. Only strict control over the production of these "odd" bergamot oils can, to a certain degree, offer a safeguard against the always present possibility of "on-the-spot adulteration".