Orange bitter
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Orange, bitter Botanical binomial: Citrus aurantium subsp. amara Family: Rutaceae Other names: Seville orange, sour orange, bigrade, petitgrain Country of Origin: Spain Part of plant used in production: Fresh peel Methods of production: Cold pressed |
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| Description: |
An evergreen tree native to China and India with juicy fruit and spiny branches. Today, oranges are cultivated around the Mediterranean region, Israel and the Americas. |
| Characteristics: |
Bitter orange has a yellow to brown colour and smells of semi-sweet citrus, fresh yet bitter with a woody-herbaceous undertone. |
| Properties: |
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hypocholesterolaemic, hypotensive, stomachic, sedative, tonic. |
| Constituents: |
Limonene (73-98%), linalool (19-27%), linalyl acetate (46-55%), myrcene (1-11%), ?-pinene (0.3-1.4%), 1,8-cineole (0.7-9%). |
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Uses: |
Bitter orange is good for digestive problems such as constipation and flatulence, relieving stress and anxiety, fighting colds, and soothing mouth ulcers. It is used in perfumery, cosmetics, bath and body oils, and flavouring chocolate and confectionery. |
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Blends well with: |
Bergamot, clary sage, cypress, geranium, juniper, jasmine, lavender, neroli, nutmeg, rosemary, tangerine, ylang-ylang. |
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Interesting Facts: |
Bitter orange is one of the classic ingredients in Eau de Cologne. It is also called Petitgrain (little grainĀ) because the oil was originally distilled from small, unripe fruit. It is believed that Citrus aurantium is the Persian orange known for it’s bitterness which was brought to Italy in the 11th century. |
| Safety: |
Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. |