[herbiegrowsbananas]

Hiya

I went herb buying today and I bought a Wild Bergamot (Monarda Didyma 'Fireball').

They didn't have it with the herbs, it was in the Perennials section, bought I was told that it was defintely edible. I was looking for Red Bergamot...

HOWEVER, on closer inspection it reads 'Not for human consumption!'.

IS this because it's been sprayed with pesticides as a flower, rather than a herb, or is it simply not edible, full stop.

I have an edible garden and my kids help themselves to anything they want, so if it is poisonous then I don't want it in there...

Thanks so much,
Herbie

[mumofstig]

If Jekka's Herb Farm says it is edible then it is

http://www.jekkasherbfarm.com/details_new.asp?productid=227

It has probably been sprayed as the plant is prone to mildew, that's all

[herbiegrowsbananas]

Come to think of it he did mention that it was mildew resistant...

So, will it be toxic if it has been sprayed? 

Herbie

[mumofstig]

no more than any plant bought in from a nursery, drop of rain and it should be fine IMO

[DavidT]

Wild Bergamot is M.fistulosa. M.didyma is the perennial garden herb.

[Aunt Sally]

... and the oil of bergamot in my Earl Grey tea is something entirely different

[hamstergbert]

OH thinks it was something to do with the Jersey police.....

[woodburner]

... and the oil of bergamot in my Earl Grey tea is something entirely different

Are you sure? I've always been under the impression it was indeed monarda didyma that is used. Apparently (according to plants for a future at least) both wild and garden types can be used to make tea with.

[mumofstig]

You can make tea with monarda but it is not the same 'bergamot' that is used in Earl Grey tea ...look here for info