- Product Code: EOORAB
The Bitter Orange is a spiny evergreen tree, thought to have been a hybrid between a citrus tree - pomelo & a citrus tree - possibly mandarin. The tree is gratefully responsible for producing Neroli Essential Oil (the flowers of the tree), Petitgrain Essential Oil (the leaves & twigs), Orange Flower Water (or Orange Blossom Water), and the same family species for Bergamot Essential Oil (the unripe peel).
The tree is rather handsome with a straight upright trunk, with more thorns than a sweet orange tree - though it is more tolerant of the cooler, colder & unpredictable environments, fragrant blossoms morph into abundant fruits that strewn all over the rich green foliage, lasting for months. This is displayed & appreciated among the private gardens, public places & along streets of Marrakech, Morocco.
Obtained by cold pressing or needle puncturing of peels of the bitter orange tree. Orange oil Bitter is characterised by a higher content of esters and lower aldehyde content than Sweet Orange oil.
* Orange Bitter essential oil contains naturally occurring bergaptens or furo/furano-coumarins, which are known to cause skin phototoxicity. This means that skin can discolour when exposed to direct sunlight, and in some cases cause burning. *
Being bitter &/or sour, it isn't recommended to be consumed - eaten fresh or raw. Commonly used as a root stock for Sweet Oranges to grown on, a particular variety of Bitter Orange is used in the manufacture of marmalade, along with cooking & seasoning. Also incorporated into flavours & fragrances for the perfume & flavouring industry - it has been used to flavour tea's, soft drinks & liqueurs. It is also an environmentally friendly & relatively safe to use, effective solvent that is active against stains & sticky residues.
Safety Precaution : Flammable. Phototoxic - Application to skin may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Adult use only.
Blends well with : Clary Sage, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Spice oils and other Citrus oils.
FACT : The Bitter Orange crossed into Middle East, north & East Africa, & the south of Spain by the growth & expansion of the Arab Empire during the 10th century - arriving well ahead of the Sweet Orange by the mid 15th century. Most of the tree's flower, leaf, flesh, juice & peel has been used medically in time to help ease skin infection, swelling, aches & pains, bruises, sleep & digestive disorders.