The Bitter Orange tree is one of the most useful for perfumery—every part yields an interesting raw material. The flowers provide orange blossom absolute and neroli oil, the leaves and stems give petitgrain, while the fruit peel contains the wonderfully rich and complex bitter orange oil.
Bitter Orange, also known as Seville Orange and Bigarade, is a sturdy, evergreen citrus species that is indigenous to India and is cultivated in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the southern US and the Caribbean – diverse regions with similar climates. Citrus aurantium var. amara is a hybrid of Citrus maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin) and is the preferred fruit used for natural perfumery. Along with Neroli (Orange Blossom) and Petitgrain Bigarade (Orange Leaf) essential oils and absolutes, Bitter Orange has one of the three important aromas derived from Citrus aurantium var. amara.
Orange Blossom-
Neroli and orange blossom oils are among the most important ingredients in perfumery, decorating the top accords of chypre compositions, lending a fresh touch to floral bouquets and forming the bodies of classical colognes. Orange Blossom quickly unfolds with incredibly seductive floral notes. It provides a warm floral heart note and adds opulence and depth when paired with the lighter scents. Neroli is the historical name for steam distilled Orange Blossom essential oil.
Orange Blossom (Neroli) was first introduced as a fashionable scent near the end of the 17th century by Marie-Anne de La Trémoille, Duchess of Bracciano, later known as the Princess of Nerola. She loved the scent of orange blossoms and used it to perfume her clothes, gloves and bath; since then, this beautiful essence has been known as Neroli. Today Neroli essential oil is widely used in perfumery and skincare, particularly in formulations for dry and mature skin. The comforting aroma is lovely in nighttime sprays, relaxing baths, massage blends and diffusers.
The tranquilizing effects of Neroli make this a wonderful essential oil to combat stress, depression and anxiety naturally. It has been shown to significantly reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, in a study where participants were given a mixture containing Neroli to inhale at regular intervals over a 24 hour period. They found a significant reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol in the Neroli group and concluded that inhalation of this essential oil can have immediate and continuous positive effects on stress reduction.
Petitgrain Sur Fleurs-
Also derived from the bitter orange tree, ‘Petitgrain’ means “small grain” in French, and it refers to the fact that traditionally petitgrain was distilled from immature bitter orange fruit. Today, twigs and leaves are more likely to be used. It smells heavenly–green, sparkling, bright, with a distinctive orange blossom accent.
With powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, Petitgrain Essential Oil is a wonderful natural remedy to calm problematic skin. Whether it’s rosacea, acne-induced irritation or even sunburn, this aromatic essential oil helps to soothe and heal your complexion. For those looking to achieve flawless skin, Petitgrain Oil has stimulating and toning properties to help pores appear smaller and the epidermis more even and smooth.
Petitgrain oil offers a fresh, floral, and often herbaceous aroma that makes it unique and useful in a variety of settings. It’s known to promote restful sleep and support healthy immune function.
The petitgrain oil used in this seasonal edition is an unusual certified organic Petitgrain sur Fleurs essential oil that has a distinct, fresh, green floral, aroma with a soft, sweet-woody, tenacious undertone. This oil is also called Petitgrain Neroli in the States, but the true designation is Petitgrain sur Fleurs, meaning ‘Petitgrain over flowers’. It is produced from the leaves and twigs that are separated from the blossoms both during the height of Neroli season and at its close when many blossoms remain on the tree. It is these 'yearling' leaves along with the remaining blossoms that impart the softer, more floral character to this particular Petitgrain oil. There are only a select few distillers making this distinctive oil with this nuance different from the regular Petitgrain oil.
Bitter Red Orange -
On the emotional system bitter orange essential oil is extremely uplifting and energizing for the body, yet calming to the mind and emotions. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aid to meditation, and this is perhaps why it can be extremely helpful in easing stress and anxiety. Diffusing bitter orange oil is said to help dispel tantrums and frustration for both adults and children alike.
The round, lumpy fruits of Citrus aurantium var. amara are born green, become yellowish and finally red at the height of ripeness. The essential oil produced at this stage represents the most mature expression of the fruit peel known as Bitter Orange, Red. The essential oil we are using is organic and has a tart, fresh orange aroma with soft green notes and a mild, 'bitter' pithy note in the sense of 'dry' but it is also lightly sweet; it adds an interesting note to natural perfumer formulations.
The more commonly encountered orange oil (sometimes called sweet orange oil) is actually the product of a different tree, the sweet orange tree (Citrus sinesis), and while its blossoms can also be steam-distilled, the result is an inferior, less fragrant grade of neroli.
Winter is the season for bitter oranges; in addition to their uses in perfumery, they make for an aromatic flavoring in the kitchen. The peel can be used to make marmalade or can be made into a fragrant paste.
This is a very special edition Asali has for you this winter season. Go to Seasonal Edition to order your Honey Soap, Butter Bar and Aromatic Roll-On
