Bergamot Vs. Lemon Basil: A Flavor Showdown

Meet Bergamot and Lemon Basil

Bergamot and lemon basil are two herbs that can seriously up your kitchen game. Knowing what makes each one special can help you decide how to use them best.

Bergamot: This herb is famous for its citrusy smell, thanks to the essential oil from the bergamot orange tree. It's the secret behind the unique taste of Earl Grey tea.

Lemon Basil: A mix of regular basil and African basil, lemon basil stands out with its strong lemon scent and flavor. It's a favorite in Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes.

Tasting the Difference

Bergamot and lemon basil have distinct flavors that make them perfect for different recipes.

Bergamot: Think of a mix of lemon, lime, and a bit of bitter orange. It's great for teas, desserts, and even some savory dishes.

Lemon Basil: This herb brings a bright, lemony taste with a hint of spice. It's perfect for salads, seafood, and marinades. Plus, its lemony smell is great in drinks and desserts.

Herb	Flavor Notes	Common Uses
Bergamot	Citrus, floral, slightly bitter	Teas, desserts, savory dishes
Lemon Basil	Lemon, spicy, refreshing	Salads, seafood, marinades, beverages

By comparing these flavors, you can see how to use bergamot and lemon basil in your cooking. Whether you want to add a citrusy note to your tea or a fresh twist to your salad, these herbs have got you covered. For more tips on storing herbs, check out our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas in the fridge and black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge.

Keeping Bergamot and Lemon Basil Fresh

How to Store Them Right

To keep bergamot and lemon basil fresh in the fridge, you need to store them properly. Here’s how:

Bergamot

1. Whole Bergamot: Wrap the fruit in a damp paper towel and put it in a plastic bag. Store it in the crisper drawer.
2. Bergamot Zest: Keep the zest in an airtight container or small plastic bag in the fridge.

Lemon Basil

1. Fresh Leaves: Trim the stems and put the basil in a glass of water. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag and store in the fridge.
2. Chopped Leaves: Wrap chopped leaves in a damp paper towel and put them in a plastic bag or airtight container in the crisper drawer.

Shelf Life

Knowing how long bergamot and lemon basil last helps you plan their use.

Herb/Fruit	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Whole Bergamot	Wrapped in a damp paper towel, plastic bag in crisper	2-3 weeks
Bergamot Zest	Airtight container in fridge	1 week
Fresh Lemon Basil Leaves	Stems in water, covered with a plastic bag	1 week
Chopped Lemon Basil Leaves	Damp paper towel, plastic bag/airtight container in crisper	3-4 days

Follow these tips to keep your bergamot and lemon basil fresh. For more storage tips, visit our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas in the fridge and black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge.

Cooking with Bergamot and Lemon Basil

These herbs bring unique flavors to your dishes. Here’s how to use them:

Cooking with Bergamot

Bergamot’s citrusy and slightly bitter taste makes it versatile.

Common Uses:

• Teas and Infusions: The star of Earl Grey tea.
• Desserts: Use the zest and juice in cakes, cookies, and marmalades.
• Sauces and Marinades: Adds a twist to vinaigrettes, marinades, and sauces for fish and poultry.

Nutritional Info:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	50
Vitamin C	30 mg
Fiber	2.5 g

For more bergamot recipes, check out our article on culinary uses of bergamot.

Cooking with Lemon Basil

Lemon basil’s fresh, lemony taste can brighten up many dishes.

Common Uses:

• Salads: Adds a refreshing flavor.
• Pestos: Makes a unique pesto sauce for pasta and grilled veggies.
• Soups and Stews: Enhances the flavor with a hint of citrus.

Nutritional Info:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	23
Vitamin A	5275 IU
Calcium	177 mg

For more lemon basil recipes, see our guide on culinary uses of lemon basil.

Both bergamot and lemon basil can transform your dishes. For more tips, visit our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas in the fridge and black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge.

Health Perks of Bergamot and Lemon Basil

These herbs aren’t just tasty; they’re good for you too.

Bergamot’s Nutritional Value

Bergamot is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value*
Vitamin C	30 mg	50%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.08 mg	5%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.03 mg	2%
Calcium	40 mg	4%
Potassium	150 mg	4%
Fiber	1.5 g	6%
Total Carbohydrates	12 g	4%

Bergamot’s antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Lemon Basil’s Nutritional Value

Lemon basil is also nutrient-rich.

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value*
Vitamin A	5275 IU	106%
Vitamin C	18 mg	30%
Vitamin K	414.8 µg	518%
Calcium	177 mg	18%
Iron	3.17 mg	18%
Magnesium	64 mg	16%
Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Total Carbohydrates	2.65 g	1%

Lemon basil is high in vitamin K, which is good for blood clotting and bone health. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

For more veggie comparisons, check out our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas in the fridge, black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge, and lima beans Vs. fava beans in the fridge.

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Growing Your Own Bergamot and Lemon Basil

Growing these herbs at home can be fun and rewarding.

Growing Bergamot

Bergamot, also called bee balm, likes well-drained soil and lots of sun.

• Soil: Slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained.
• Sunlight: Needs at least 6 hours of full sun.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Temperature: Grows best between 60°F and 70°F.
• Spacing: Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Bergamot Growing Conditions	Requirements
Soil	Slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained
Sunlight	Full sun (6+ hours)
Watering	Evenly moist, deep watering
Temperature	60°F to 70°F
Spacing	18-24 inches apart

For more growing tips, check out our article on lemon balm Vs. lemon verbena in the fridge.

Growing Lemon Basil

Lemon basil loves rich, well-drained soil and lots of sun.

• Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0 to 7.5.
• Sunlight: Needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water in the morning.
• Temperature: Grows best between 70°F and 85°F.
• Spacing: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

Lemon Basil Growing Conditions	Requirements
Soil	Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0-7.5
Sunlight	Full sun (6-8 hours)
Watering	Consistently moist
Temperature	70°F to 85°F
Spacing	12-18 inches apart

For more on growing and storing herbs, read our article on greek basil Vs. italian basil in the fridge.

Growing bergamot and lemon basil at home ensures a fresh supply of these flavorful herbs. Follow these tips for healthy plants and enjoy the benefits of homegrown herbs.

Substituting Bergamot and Lemon Basil

Can’t find bergamot or lemon basil? No problem. Here are some substitutes.

Bergamot Substitutes

If you’re out of bergamot, try these:

Substitute	Flavor Profile	Use in Recipes
Lemon Zest	Citrusy, bright	Use in equal amounts
Orange Zest	Sweet, citrusy	Slightly sweeter, use less
Lemon Balm	Mild lemon flavor	Fresh or dried
Lemon Verbena	Strong lemon flavor	Fresh or dried, use sparingly

For more on storing these substitutes, visit lemon balm Vs. lemon verbena in the fridge.

Lemon Basil Substitutes

If you’re out of lemon basil, try these:

Substitute	Flavor Profile	Use in Recipes
Basil + Lemon Zest	Sweet, citrusy	Combine equal parts
Lemon Thyme	Lemon, earthy	Use sparingly
Lemon Verbena	Strong lemon flavor	Fresh or dried, use less
Lemongrass	Citrus, slightly spicy	Use in cooking, remove before serving

For more on lemony herbs, check out lemongrass Vs. lemon verbena in the fridge.

Knowing these substitutes ensures your dishes stay flavorful, even when you’re missing an ingredient. For more comparisons, explore greek basil Vs. italian basil in the fridge and other herb alternatives.

Recipes with Bergamot and Lemon Basil

These herbs can make your dishes pop. Here are some recipes to try:

Bergamot Recipes

Bergamot-Infused Tea Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp bergamot zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well.
4. Mix in the vanilla and bergamot zest.
5. Combine the flour and baking powder, then add to the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the milk until smooth.
7. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Bergamot and Honey Glazed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup bergamot juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix bergamot juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Place salmon on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush with bergamot glaze.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Lemon Basil Recipes

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh lemon basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pasta

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and drain.
2. Blend lemon basil, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss with pasta and serve.

Lemon Basil Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup lemon basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix lemon basil, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Place in a baking dish and pour mixture over.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

These recipes show how versatile bergamot and lemon basil can be. For more on storing these herbs, check out our guide on bergamot Vs. lemon basil in the fridge. Curious about other herbs? Look at greek basil Vs. italian basil in the fridge and lemon balm Vs. lemon verbena in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Bergamot and Lemon Basil: The Lowdown

Here’s a quick look at what makes bergamot and lemon basil unique.

Characteristic	Bergamot	Lemon Basil
Flavor Profile	Citrus-like, floral, slightly bitter	Citrus-like, sweet, slightly peppery
Culinary Uses	Teas, desserts, salads, marinades	Pesto, salads, sauces, garnishes
Storage	Store in the fridge in a damp paper towel and plastic bag	Store in the fridge in a damp paper towel and plastic bag
Shelf Life	1-2 weeks in the fridge	1-2 weeks in the fridge
Health Benefits	Rich in antioxidants, may improve digestion, anti-inflammatory properties	High in vitamin K, supports immune health, anti-inflammatory properties
Growing Conditions	Prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade	Thrives in warm, sunny locations, well-drained soil

For more tips on storing different veggies and herbs, check out our articles on english peas Vs. garden peas in the fridge and black eyed peas Vs. chickpeas in the fridge.

Both bergamot and lemon basil bring unique flavors and health benefits to your kitchen and garden. Whether you’re storing them in the fridge or growing them at home, knowing their characteristics helps you get the most out of these herbs. For more herb comparisons, check out lemongrass Vs. lemon verbena in the fridge and sage Vs. pineapple sage in the fridge.

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