What is the Difference Between Bergamot and Kaffir Lime

The main difference between bergamot and kaffir lime is that bergamot is the size of an orange and has a yellow or green color similar to a lime, while kaffir lime is green in color, round in shape, and has a thick rind that is knobby and wrinkled.

Bergamot and Kaffir lime are two bitter fruits belonging to the citrus family. Although these fruits are not much used in cuisine like lemons or oranges, they are popular as essential oils and used in perfumery.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Bergamot  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Kaffir Lime
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Bergamot and Kaffir Lime
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bergamot, Kaffir Lime

Difference Between Bergamot and Kaffir Lime - Comparison Summary

What is Bergamot

Bergamot or bergamot orange is a bitter, inedible citrus fruit that is the size of an orange. But bergamot has a yellow or green color similar to lime. Bergamot comes from a tree called Citrus bergamia, which originated in tropical South East Asia. But now, it is commercially grown in the Calabria region in Southern Italy. In fact, it is the biggest Bergamot producer in the world.

Compare Bergamot and Kaffir Lime - What's the difference?

Bergamot is a hybrid of lemon (citrus medica) and sour orange (citrus aurantium). Bergamot plants bloom in the winter. These plants are valued for the skins of their fruits, which are cold-pressed to produce oils, scents, and flavors. The essence of bergamot is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. It is also used in products like marmalade and Turkish delight. Furthermore, bergamot oil is a popular ingredient in perfumery.

What is Kaffir Lime

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) is a citrus fruit native to tropical Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian cuisines like Thai, Indonesian, Laotian, and Cambodian use the leaves and fruits of Kaffir lime in their cuisines. The most commonly used part of the kaffir lime plant is the leaves; they can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. The leaves of this plant are dark green in color and have a glossy sheen. Chefs use them in curries, salads, as well as soups.

Bergamot vs Kaffir Lime

Kaffir lime fruits are dark green in color and round in shape. They have a thick rind that is knobby and wrinkled. As these fruits become older, the color becomes lighter, a yellowish-green. The whole fruit of kaffir lime is rarely used. But the rind or peel has uses in curry pastes. In fact, kaffir lime rind is an indispensable ingredient in Thai curries. Moreover, the rind and crushed leaves give a strong citrus fragrance. Kaffir lime is also popular as an essential oil.

Difference Between Bergamot and Kaffir Lime

Definition

Bergamot or Bergamot orange is a bitter, inedible citrus fruit that is the size of an orange, while Kaffir lime is a citrus fruit native to tropical Southeast Asia.

Appearance of Fruits

Bergamots are the size of oranges and have a yellow or green color similar to lime. Kaffir lime fruits, on the other hand, are dark green in color and round in shape, and have a thick rind that is knobby and wrinkled. As these fruits become old, the color becomes lighter, a yellowish-green.

Culinary Uses

Moreover, bergamot is used to flavor Earl Grey tree, and it is also used in Turkish delights and marmalade. On the other hand, leaves and rind of kaffir lime are popular ingredients in South East Asian cuisines like Thai, Indonesian, Laotian, and Cambodian. Moreover, they use leaves in curries, salads, and soups, and rinds in curry paste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bergamot and Kaffir lime are two bitter fruits belonging to the citrus family. The main difference between bergamot and kaffir lime is that bergamot is the size of an orange and has a yellow or green color similar to a lime, while kaffir lime is green in color, round in shape, and has a thick rind that is knobby and wrinkled.

Reference:

1. “Kaffir Lime.” The Epicentre.
2. “What Is Bergamot?” Twinings.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bergamotti (Bergamot fruits) – (3)” By Jacopo Werther (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Citrus hystrix fruit” By Robyn Jay from Sydney, Australia – kaffir limesUploaded by berichard, CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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