Orange blossom water from Bar sur Loup
Orange blossom water, what is it?
It is a floral water, also called hydrosol, obtained during the distillation of bitter orange blossom (citrus aurantium).
In fact, during distillation in a still, traditionally made of copper, now more often made of stainless steel, we obtain a very small quantity ofneroli essential oil (1 ton of flowers makes 1 liter of neroli) which floats on the surface of the distillation liquid obtained which is water (1 liter per kilogram of distilled flowers). This is called orange blossom water.
What is the origin of orange blossom water?
The sour orange is native to Southeast Asia and gradually arrived on the shores of the Mediterranean at the time of the Crusades. As early as the 14th century, we found the first perfumes made with orange blossom.
How is orange blossom water made? Where do orange blossoms come from?
Orange trees grow in many places on the planet: either in the Maghreb or in California. And in a historical way, and this is what touches us most closely, in the Alpes Maritimes near Grasse, and more precisely in Vallauris and Bar sur Loup where our locations-06 cottages are located. We ourselves have been growing bitter orange trees and picking orange blossoms for several generations.
In the Alpes-Maritimes, we obtain the best quality flowers because unlike what is done in many places in the world, we do not tap the trees or shake them to make the flowers fall during harvesting.
In Pays de Grasse, we collect the flowers by hand, one after the other and drop them to the ground in a burlap sheet and this is the traditional way which means that our flowers are of incomparable quality. But like any exceptional product, it remains expensive. This is why major industrialists have been sourcing their products abroad for a long time.
But in recent years, and particularly since the UNESCO World Heritage listing, major brands and manufacturers have been investing again in our perfume flowers. Orange blossom is used in the composition of legendary perfumed compositions, including: “N°5” by Chanel, “Gabrielle”, “Fleur d’Oranger” by Molinard, “Escale à Portofino” by Dior, “Néroli Facétie” by Roger Gallet, “La Fille de l’Air” by Courrèges, “Ysatis ” by Givenchy, “Aura” by Thierry Mugler, “Aqua Allegoria Passiflora” by Guerlain, “Fleurs d’oranger” by Serge Lutens, “Flowerbomb” by Viktor & Rolf, “La vie est belle” by Lancôme, “Classique” by Jean paul Gaultier, etc, etc.
What are the uses, what can you do with orange blossom water?
If orange blossom and its essential oil – neroli – are very popular in perfumery, hydrosol – orange blossom water – has many uses.
Body and cosmetic uses of orange blossom water.
Orange blossom water is regenerating. Applied to the face, it restores light and radiance to the complexion. It is also a gentle toner that soothes and refreshes the skin. This water is calming and promotes sleep. It is comforting, reassuring and alleviates emotional dependencies, positive and restores confidence. It relaxes, soothes and is even said to be an aphrodisiac.
Practical use of orange blossom water
Difficulty falling asleep or deep sadness: as a herbal tea, a teaspoon of orange blossom water in a cup of hot water.
Anger and frustration: one tablespoon in a liter of water to drink throughout the day.
Seeking relief: a teaspoon in a glass of water.
Relaxation and refreshing of facial skin: direct application to the skin.
Finally, this water can also be used as a room mist using a mister.
Uses of orange blossom water in cooking
Personally, I use orange blossom water to make cakes, fougasses (a specialty from Grasse), ice creams (contact me for the recipe), cannelés which are no longer from Bordeaux but from Grasse, jams and jellies, in tea with Mint.
This orange blossom water is also widely used for making oriental desserts. You can also perfume creams. It is also used to make tropézienne tart, Provencal shuttles, madeleines, pancakes, brioches, whipped cream, eggnog, strawberry and orange soup, clafouti., etc.
In summary, it is a very delicate and extraordinary orange blossom water.
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Orange blossom water from Bar sur Loup
