Category: Mediterranean

The search for beauty: Calabria

10.04.2020

SIRACH: 42

15

Now will I recall God’s works; what I have seen, I will describe.

National Park of Sila

At God’s word were his works brought into being;

Scilla, the sea (Reggio Calabria)

they do his will as he has ordained for them.

Fathers

16

As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the LORD fills all his works;

“Arco Magno”

17

Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, Though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory.

San Francesco di Paola

18

He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart;

Scilla, the doors on the sea

their innermost being he understands.

Seaside at Reggio Calabria

The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come:

Chianalea (Scilla, Reggio Calabria)

19

He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets.

Tropea

20

No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him.

“Cattolica di Stilo“

21

Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same,

“God is Love” (John)

22

With nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him!

Cirella

23

How beautiful are all his works! even to the spark and the fleeting vision!

Giant Pines of Fallistro (Sila)

24

The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved.

Morano Calabro

25

All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain,

Love, love is the answer…

For each in turn, as it comes, is good;

San Nicola Arcella

can one ever see enough of their splendor?

Panorama



The Green Design, the Bergamot Charm

19.02.2020

The color of green and the fractal geometry of Bergamot surface are part of the unique fashion of this excellence of Calabria.

This intense green partially explains how Bergamot oil is commercially important, and constitutes the base of cologne water (eau de cologne), a globally known product and, perhaps, the most widely used toilet water in the world.

The graduation and tonality of the color is also evident in the leaves. A non-minor use of Bergamot is the petit grain oil, another product of a certain importance, distilled from the leaves and young growth.

In any case, the light design of surface permits the production of a highly acid juice derived from the oil extraction process, a citrate of lime or citric acid employed as antiseptic.

FASHION AND HISTORY

Of course, bergamot oil essence has many other perfumery uses, but the main employment of Bergamot, according to Chapot (1962) is the cologne water first developed in Cologne in 1676 by an Italian emigrant, Paolo Feminis. This obscure emigrant began the refinement of Bergamot oil and the product was also commercialized by his son-in-law, Gian Maria Farina. Thus, the first manufacture dates back to 1709.

Another fascinating use, outside the region of Calabria, of bergamot is the recipe for adding its citrus fruit essence to the famous Earl Grey tea, a tea with a distinctive flavor. The recipe employs the natural essential oil that is extracted from green bergamot skins.

INTERNAL DESIGN OF BERGAMOT: ITS INTENSE YELLOW

Under its skin bergamot holds a yellow pulp and an intense juice that smells lemon sharp with soft notes of orange.

That juice is a liquid highly recommended for aromatherapy treatments and having strong antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.

Unfortunately, apart from its healing properties, both the juice and the oil does have one side-effect: putting them on skin and then exposing it to sunlight, causes discoloration and burning.