Lemon Bergamot -what do I do with it?

[freshfood]

Hi,

I got some lemon bergamot seeds for Christmas, planted them, they are doing well, but I don't know what to do with it now! I don't have a lot of herb books, but I can't find it in any of them. It's kind of viney, with a purplish underside to the green leaves, so it's pretty, but as it's in my herb garden, I'd like to know what to use it for. Also, I don't know whether it will overwinter here - I still have some in pots so I can move that into shelter, but if it will survive my winter, I'd rather have it outside.

Can anyone help?

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

It's great for flavoring meats. It almost has an oregano like flavor.

Also it can be used in teas and infusions for a wide variety of cold/flu symptoms. A poultice can be used for headaches.

Pick the leaves and dry in a warm, dark place for about 2-3 days.

It can be a biennial in some warmer areas which will reseed itself. In colder climates it should be treated as an annual and brought indoors over winter if necessary.