Once upon a time, the bitter orange tree
Did you know? Just as there are two types of oranges — sweet ones, enjoyed fresh, as juice or in salads, and bitter ones, used to make the famous marmalade — there are also two types of tree that produce them. The former grow on the ‘classic’ orange tree we know so well. The latter grow on a slightly taller evergreen tree with vivid green leaves: the bitter orange tree. And the famous orange blossom also comes from the bitter orange tree: a pretty, highly fragrant little white flower with thick, elegantly curved petals. The origins of this tree remain unclear: depending on the source, it may come from China or India. Either way, it thrives in sunny spots and mild climates and, in our part of the world, flowers in early spring. It is said that even in ancient times, orange blossoms symbolised purity: young brides loved to adorn their woven crowns with them.
Discover our organic blends with floral notes.
Neroli essence and orange blossom water
While the bitter orange tree is also prized for its bitter oranges, whose zest can also be dried, it is its flowers that we have chosen to spotlight. For it is the flowers that yield both essence and floral water.
To do this, the fresh orange blossoms are steam-distilled. Picture it: the steam passes through the petals before being collected as a liquid. A liquid surprisingly composed of two substances: the essence (oilier, found on the surface) and the floral water (deeper down in the vessel). The former, highly concentrated in aromatic molecules, is commonly known as Neroli essence. This name is said to originate from Anne-Marie de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola (a town near Rome), who popularised it in the 17th century by wearing it as perfume and adding a few drops to every bath. Neroli essence is rare and precious: it takes a whole tonne of orange blossoms to produce just one litre of essential oil
What are the benefits of orange blossom?
Orange blossom contains many active compounds and has long been recognised for its many benefits. In general, it appears to have relaxing and antispasmodic properties, which may help ease tension, relax muscles and thereby aid both digestion and sleep. Orange blossom may indeed offer a natural way to help combat insomnia.
Its beloved flavour also makes it an essential ingredient in many recipes, especially sweet treats. Orange blossom is used, for instance, to flavour pancakes, madeleines, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern pastries, or fresh fruit salads.
Fancy an orange blossom tea?
At Kusmi, orange blossom features in our organic black tea with bergamot Anastasia and its organic white tea version, White Anastasia. Organic Anastasia is an iconic blend of black tea, bergamot, lemon and orange blossom, promising gentle moments of relaxation and togetherness.
