Bitter orange (Citrus Aurantium Amara) perfumes

Sour, zesty, bitter.

Source

The orange tree is native to China. Today, the main producers of orange essence are Sicily, the West Indies and especially Brazil.

Extraction Method

The essence is obtained through cold expression of the orange peel.

Uses

It is used essentially in eaux de Colognes. Orange peels are used to make a liqueur (curaçao) which stimulates the digestive system and the fruit is used to make orange marmalade.

History

Bitter orange was first imported from China into India, Syria and Egypt. The crusaders brought it to the south of France. One of the most famous orange trees is the one planted in the garden of the convent of Saint Sabina in Rome: its fruit was offered to the pope every year. According to legend, the original tree still stands.