Once upon a time there was the bitter orange tree
Did you know? Since there are two types oforanges, the sweet ones which are enjoyed fresh, in juice or salad, and the bitter ones which are used in making the famous marmalade, well there are also two types of trees producing them. The first grow on the “classic” orange tree, the one we know well. While the latter are born on a slightly larger tree, with very bright green evergreen leaves: the bitter orange. And it is also from the bitter orange tree that the famous orange blossom comes, a pretty little white flower, very fragrant, with thick and elegantly curved petals. The origins of this tree remain unknown: according to sources, it comes from China or India. In any case, it appreciates sunny soils and mild climates and, in our regions, flowers at the beginning of spring. It is said that since ancient times, orange blossoms symbolized purity: young brides loved adorning their braided crowns with them.
Find our organic blends with floral notes.
Neroli essence and orange blossom water
If the bitter orange tree is also very popular for its bitter oranges, the zest of which can also be dried, it is its flowers that we have chosen to focus on. Because they are the ones who produce essence and floral water.
To do this, the fresh orange blossoms are steam distilled. Imagine: it passes through the petals before being collected in the form of liquid. A liquid surprisingly composed of two substances: essence (oilier, located on the surface) and floral water (deeper in the container). The first, very concentrated in aromatic molecules, is commonly calledNeroli essence. This name would come from that of Anne-Marie d'Orsini, princess of Nerola (a town near Rome), who popularized it in the 17th century by perfuming himself with it and slipping a few drops into each of his baths. The essence of Neroli is rare and precious: it is in fact necessary to distill a ton of orange blossoms to obtain a liter ofessential oil
What are the virtues of orange blossom?
The orange blossom contains a lot of active ingredients and has long been recognized as multiple benefits. Generally speaking, it seems that she has relaxing properties and antispasmodics, which would give it the ability to reduce tension, relax the muscles, and thus facilitate both digestion and falling asleep. The orange blossom would indeed be a natural solution to fight against insomnia.
Its very popular taste also makes it the essential ingredient of many recipes, especially sweet. The orange blossom is for example used to flavor pancakes, madeleines, Mediterranean and oriental pastries, or other fruit salads.
Want a orange blossom tea ?
At Kusmi, orange blossom is present in our organic black tea at the bergamotAnastasia and in his version of organic white tea White Anastasia. Anastasia organic, is an emblematic recipe combining black tea, bergamot, lemon and orange blossom, which promises sweet moments of relaxation and sharing.