An evergreen tree, growing to 8 m (26 ft.) high, with shiny, ovate leaves and fragrant white flowers, followed by bitter, orange fruits.
History and traditions
The citrus species were unknown to Greek and Roman writers, but they have been cultivated for so long that their origins are hazy. Oranges are probably natives of northern India, certainly China, and are thought to have been brought to the West by Arab traders via North Africa, Arabia and Syria, thence to Spain and Sicily. Citrus aurantium, the bitter Seville orange, is the species mentioned in a medicinal context by the Arabian physician, Avicenna, 980-1037, practicing at Salerno, and was the orange tree planted in Rome by St Dominic in AD 1200. These must also have been the oranges which Edward I’s Queen, Eleanor of Castille, is purported to have bought from a Spanish ship which called at Portsmouth in 1290 sweet oranges were not known in the West before the mid-15th century, introduced from the East by the Portuguese. The custom of wearing orange blossom at weddings is said to have originated with the Saracens, who considered it an emblem of fecundity, and the practice was introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders. Essential oil distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange was said to have an “exquisite fragrance” by the Italian Giambattista Porta in his herbal of 1588. It became known as “oil of Neroli” from 1680, because it was favoured by the wife of the Count of Neroli for perfuming gloves.
Parts used
Leaves, fruits, flowers. Essential oil of neroli, distilled from flowers; essential oil of petitgrain, distilled from leaves and twigs; distilled orange-flower water; oil of orange, expressed from the rind.
Uses
Medicinal
Rich in vitamins A, B and C, and has energizing tonic properties. Infusions of leaves and flowers are used for digestive disorders. The essential oil of neroli is an anti-depressant and calming. It may also be helpful for insomnia.
Culinary
The fruits are used to make Seville orange marmalade and a bitter sauce to complement fatty poultry such as duck and goose. Orange-flower water has a delicate fragrance, ideal for flavouring sweet dishes. Oil of orange is a flavoring in commercial food products.
Aromatic
Essential oils of neroli and petitgrain are used in perfumery.
Cosmetic
Orange rind pounded, mixed with rainwater and applied as a poultice is a traditional Indian remedy for acne. Oil of neroli is soothing for dry, sensitive skins as an ingredient of creams and lotions. Also used in many citrus-based cleaning products.
