bergamote

A bergamot is a cross between an orange and a lime, at least according to one theory; their fragrant zest is what adds that citrusy ping to Earl Grey tea and perfumes. Nearly all are grown in Calabria in southern Italy.

Some bergamots make their way to Lorraine to flavour little square sweets called bergamotes de Nancy, invented in 1857 by confiseur Jean Frédéric Godefroy Lillich, who heeded a suggestion from a perfumer friend that a few drops of bergamot oil to his boiled sweets would make them exceptional. Today they are designated IGP.

Bergamot as a flavouring has become a thing in Nancy—you can find it in pastries and ice cream as well.