Orange Blossom (Citrus Aurantium) perfumes

Jasmine-scented, indolated, honeyed and rubbery.

Source

Mainly produced in Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Egypt and the south of France.

Extraction Method

Bitter orange blossoms are treated with volatile solvents to obtain a concrete. When washed in alcohol, the concrete yields an absolute. Bitter orange blossoms are gathered in May. One ton of flowers will usually produce roughly 2 lbs of of absolutes.

Use

Orange-blossom absolutes are very popular in oriental perfumes; they are also used in the composition of floral perfumes and to enhance fruity notes like apricot.

History

Oranges were called golden apples in Greek mythology, and were given by Jupiter to Juno on their wedding day. Medicinal properties Bitter orange blossoms symbolize fertiliity and are often worn at weddings.