Bitter Orange Peel

Bitter Orange Peel (Citrus × aurantium)

Native to Africa, Arabia, and Syria, bitter orange was introduced to the Mediterranean during the 13th century and is now cultivated throughout much of the world, including China, India, and the United States. A member of the Rutaceae family, this evergreen tree is recognized by its fragrant white blossoms, thorny branches, and bright orange fruits with characteristically sour, bitter flesh.

The aromatic peel has long been valued as a flavoring in marmalades, jams, candies, desserts, teas, marinades, and liqueurs such as Triple Sec. It is also a popular ingredient in soaps, scrubs, and botanical body care products. Known by several common names—including Seville orange, sour orange, marmalade orange, and bigarade—bitter orange has been appreciated for both its culinary versatility and fragrant qualities for centuries. The tree is also the source of two prized essential oils: neroli, distilled from the blossoms, and petitgrain, produced from the leaves and young twigs.