Orange trees are known not only for their delicious and juicy fruits, but also for their delicate beautiful flowers. From them they create beautiful wedding bouquets, extract essential oil, water and other raw materials for perfumery. Orange flowers are an example of purity and beauty, a decoration in the house, a medicine and even food.
Botanical description
Bitter orange orange tree (bigaradia, lat. Citrus aurantium) is an evergreen plant belonging to the genus Citrus of the Rutaceae family (lat. Rutaceae). It comes from the Eastern Himalayas, but its classic wild varieties are unknown. According to scientists, bitter orange was cultivated in China as early as 4,000 years ago.
In 10 tbsp. the trees were brought by Arab and Portuguese sailors to the Middle East, from where they spread throughout the Mediterranean. Also cultivated in Central America.
Bitter orange - a tree reaching a height of 10 m, decorated with green elongated leaves and white fragrant flowers, which are arranged singly or in bunches along5-10 pieces. As you can see in the photo, the orange flower is snow-white, consisting of a five-segmented perianth and thick lobules, inside of which there are many stamens.
Fruits have a rounded shape with a thick rough skin, when ripe they become orange-red. The pulp of the fruit is bitter-sour and is not eaten in its pure form, but it is successfully used for the preparation of seasonings, liqueurs and marmalade. Its delicious variety (sweet orange) was developed only in the 16th century.
The French name for the orange blossom is Fleur d'orange. It gives the plant charm and glamour. The flowers have a characteristic sweet fragrance. Some experts compare the fragrance of such flowers with jasmine, but enhanced with honey and more tart shades. Others associate the scent of orange blossom with hints of rubber and indole.
Essential oil
Processing of orange blossom flowers has gained popularity since the Renaissance. Even then, the method of steam distillation was invented, with the help of which they learned how to obtain essential oil from orange flowers. It is called "neroli" and is a colorless liquid that emits a light floral aroma with hints of bitterness.
Neroli oil has a complex composition, the main components of which are inalyl acetate, linalool, geranyl acetate, nerolidol, farnesol, terpineol, nerol, pinene and sabinene. When processing flowers, the final yield of products is up to 0.12% of their mass.
Orange blossom oil companieslocated in the southern regions of Italy, France, Spain (Europe) and African countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco). One of the most popular and best varieties is obtained in the city of Nabeul (Tunisia). The amount of neroli oil produced annually is estimated in tons, but its volume is highly dependent on the timing of the arrival of frosts.
The aroma of neroli is very different from the smell of orange flowers. To bring it closer to the original, some manufacturers use extraction methods using ether. With this treatment, a concrete is obtained, which, after repeated extraction with ethanol, is converted into an absolute. The output (0.1% by weight) is a dark red liquid with a strong, rich aroma of orange flowers.
Neroli: benefits and emotional effect
Essential oil obtained from orange blossoms has been successfully used in medicine for several centuries. Previously, only the very we althy could use it, but the modern perfume industry often uses artificial scent enhancers. Therefore, when the name “orange blossom” is indicated on the label, this can mean not only natural oil, but also other substances and products that are obtained after processing orange flowers, as well as their substitutes.
Neroli oil helps eliminate insomnia, depression, relieve feelings of fear and anxiety. Orange blossom is a good antidepressant that gives women joy and peace. The oil is a sedative, helping to reduce feelings of panic,longing or fear, stabilizes the mental state and harmonizes the general state, is considered a strong aphrodisiac (euphoric and hypnotic effect).
Neroli has a general strengthening effect on the immune system, has an antiviral effect. In Italian history, it is known that the citizens of Venice used orange oil to treat not only depressive conditions, but even a terrible infectious disease - the black plague.
The use of essential oil and its combination with others
In the cosmetic industry, neroli is used for therapeutic massage and skin treatment: it helps to reduce stretch marks, smooth wrinkles, remove acne and promote rejuvenation.
Recipes and tips for using orange blossom essential oil:
- for massage use 5-7 drops per 10 g of base oil - has a relaxing effect;
- use in an aroma lamp (4 drops per 15 m2 room area) - helps to create a calming atmosphere in the house;
- relaxing bath - 3-7 drops;
- for an aroma medallion you need 2-3 drops.
Neroli blends well with other essential oils: bergamot, mint, frankincense, sandalwood, marjoram, jasmine, mandarin, sage, ginger, eucalyptus, lavender, verbena, myrrh, and more.
Obtaining orange water and its application
Another way to obtain products from orange blossom is extraction with supercritical gas CO2 (carbonic acid). After distillation, a hydrolate is obtained - water of flowersorange. It includes aromatic substances obtained by extraction using petroleum ether. The final product is a brown liquid absolute containing 16% methyl anthranilate and an intense orange aroma.
Orange water (Orange flower water) was widely used in cooking in Arabic and French cuisines for preparing drinks and dishes. It is included in the ingredients of delicious lemonades, tea, baked goods and meat dishes.
Hydrolat and flower extract
The currently sold orange blossom hydrolat has a natural composition and can be used in cooking and cosmetology. Its main useful property used in cosmetics is the ability to regenerate skin cells, providing a restorative, refreshing and tonic effect. When applied to the surface of the skin, it gently brightens, increases shine. Hydrolate helps the formation of collagen, which helps smooth wrinkles and increase the elasticity and firmness of the epidermis.
For medicinal purposes, orange blossom extract is also used, which has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used to facilitate well-being in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, strengthen immunity. The extract has a positive effect on the normalization of hormonal disorders, has a calming effect. It is added to cosmetic products (cream, lifting serum, etc.) used for all skin types in order to normalize the production of skinfat. The extract is used in the fight against cellulite, because. has a beneficial effect on the epidermis and helps regenerate withered, aging and sagging skin.
Application in the perfume industry
Neroli oil is widely used in the manufacture of luxury perfumes. A pleasant aroma with a fruity accent perfectly emphasizes the compositions used to make perfumes.
Orange flower (orange blossom) is present in the following women's and men's perfumes:
- Givenchy Amarige (1991) - symbolizes beauty, femininity and nobility, has a rich plume aroma of a floral composition (mimosa, orange blossom, blackcurrant, rosewood, tuberose, vanilla, sandalwood and other notes).
- Lancome Poeme (1995) - combines several contrasting feminine fragrances: frosty freshness (represents the blue poppy from the Himalayas) and the warmth of the sand dunes, consists of the smells of orange, bluebell and mimosa on a vanillin "base".
- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (2011) - refers to oriental fragrances, the main notes of the heart are neroli, orchid, jasmine, freesia and rose, suitable for young and middle-aged women.
- Christian Dior Pure Poison (2004) - the creators of this perfume (famous designers K. Biname, D. Ropillon and O. Polge) got a surprisingly clean and noble smell with notes of orange, jasmine, amber, gardenia and sandalwood, fragrance has a teasing and passionate appeal, suitable for a date.
- Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger (2008) has a fragrance associated with beacha walk on a summer day, carrying its owner to the forgotten bright moments of childhood; The composition is composed of orange blossom, neroli oil, jasmine, mandarin and tuberose.
- The One For Men Platinum (2013) by Dolce & Gabbana is a men's fragrance that has a solemn, enchanting and sultry aroma (orange flowers, cardamom, ginger, basil, etc.).
Nutritional value of orange petals
In the last decade, the use of orange blossoms in cooking as a food product has become increasingly popular. The taste of orange blossom is delicate, slightly tart, associated with the use of the peel of this fruit. Only freshly cut flowers can be eaten (no more than a day after cutting), without signs of pests or plant diseases. This makes it difficult to use them in the climatic conditions of Russia, however, many amateur flower growers grow orange trees at home.
The calorie content of such a product is 0 kcal / 100 g, so it is recommended to include flowers in the diet menu. They will help diversify the diet, and also contain many useful substances:
- essential oils that have a positive effect on metabolism and digestion, help eliminate toxins, improve the condition of hair and nails, support the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
- vitamin C - is contained in a smaller amount compared to fruits, but its use affects the regenerative process of cells andtissues, helps to improve teeth, gums and improves bone strength, promotes the absorption of iron, improves immunity;
- rutin, or vitamin P, refers to flavonoids - substances that are good for the heart;
- phytoncides - have an active antibacterial effect, killing fungi, viruses and microbes;
- tannins - have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, give an astringent taste.
Orange flowers are contraindicated for use as a food product for children, pregnant women due to the possible manifestation of allergic reactions. They are also prohibited for patients with stomach ulcers or gastritis.
Orange flowers are most often used in the preparation of drinks and desserts. They can be eaten after being covered with icing sugar or soaked in syrup and jam. Especially popular in China is orange tea, which is made from fresh or dried flowers, brewed together with green varieties. The drink recipe is quite simple: 1 tsp. large leaf green tea and 1 tbsp. l. pour orange petals with hot water (do not bring to a boil), leave for 5-7 minutes. The drink is consumed without sugar or with the addition of flower honey.
Wedding Bouquet
Even at the beginning of the 18th century, in many European and Mediterranean countries, orange tree flowers began to be used to create bouquets that the bride holds during the wedding ceremony. A wreath of orange flowers has long been considered a symbol of a girl's innocence and a guarantee of eternalyouth. In Italy, it is generally accepted that a bouquet of orange flowers is a symbol of a large and close-knit family in the future. In English, such a flower sounds like an orange blossom, but the French name has stuck due to its charm and glamour.
This tradition has taken root in the wedding ritual and remains popular in the 21st century, so the sale of wreaths for the wedding ceremony is popular with young people. For a complete set, the bride can also use perfumes with an orange scent, for example, Wedding Bouquet ("Wedding Bouquet") from the English perfume house "Floris", which was released specifically for the wedding ceremony of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Fruit bouquet: making
Many companies also sell bouquets of oranges and flowers, designed specifically for the holiday or as a gift. However, such a bouquet can be easily made on your own.
To make a bouquet you will need oranges, flowers, a floristic sponge (pyoflor), a wicker basket, sticks for fastening and wire, fern leaves and any other flowers.
The sponge is placed in a basket, soaked with water. Oranges should be cut in half and sticks attached to them. Fern and flowers (chrysanthemums, gerberas, daisies, etc.) are placed in a bouquet, sticking stems into a sponge. Oranges are placed with chopsticks down and the cut part up. The rest of the space is decorated with small flowers.
Such a bouquet made up offruits and flowers, is an excellent gift that can not only cheer up, but also provide he alth benefits by adding vitamins to the body.
