Bitter Orange Oil

Bitter orange (Citrus x aurantium L.), also known as Seville orange, belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commercially cultivated in subtropical regions of European countries, as well as in Florida and California. The tree typically reaches a height of up to 30 feet (9 meters), with an erect structure, brown bark, and green twigs. The fruit is round or oblong-oval with a rough surface, featuring a strong, aromatic, and bitter peel.

The essential oil is extracted using two methods: 1) Cold expression of the fresh rind, and 2) Steam distillation of the peels. The resulting oil is a clear, pale-yellow to dark-yellow liquid with a characteristic floral aroma

Uses of Bitter Orange Oil:

Food Industry: Bitter orange oil is primarily used as a flavoring agent in various products such as candy, baked goods, dairy products, gelatins, chewing gum, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like liqueurs and soft drinks. Additionally, it is used as a flavor enhancer in fruits like peaches, gooseberries, and black currants.

Cosmetic Industry:

Soap Substitute: The crushed fruit of bitter orange produces a lather when mixed with water, making it useful in the production of soaps for washing clothes and as a base for hair shampoos.

Perfumery: Bitter orange oil contains 35% terpenes and 30% benzoic acid, which serve as essential bases in the creation of various perfumes, scents, and colognes.

Medicinal Uses: This oil has several medicinal properties, including antiseptic, sudorific (promoting sweat), anti-rheumatic, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-bile, antispasmodic, and vermifuge (expelling parasites) effects.