Orange, Bitter Red - Organic EO
Details
- Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium var. amara (synonym of Citrus x aurantium L.)
- Origin: Egypt
- Process: Cold Pressed Essential Oil
- Plant Part: Peels
- Cultivation: Certified Organic (USDA, NOP)
- Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery. Always dilute.
- Note: Top Note
- Aroma Family: Citrus
- Aroma: Tart, fresh orange aroma with soft green notes and a mild, 'bitter' pithy note in the sense of 'dry' but also lightly sweet; adds an interesting note in natural perfumery.
- Contraindications: Photosensitizing (low risk); please see Safety Considerations below.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Overview
Organic Bitter Orange Essential Oil - Red
The round, lumpy fruits of Citrus aurantium var. amara are born green, become yellowish and finally red at the height of ripeness. The essential oil produced at this stage represents the most mature expression of the fruit peel known as Bitter Orange, Red. Ours is organic and has a tart, fresh orange aroma with soft green notes and a mild, 'bitter' pithy note in the sense of 'dry' but it is also lightly sweet; it adds an interesting note to natural perfumer formulations.
Bitter Orange, also known as Seville Orange and Bigarade, is a sturdy, evergreen citrus species that is indigenous to India and is cultivated in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the southern US and the Caribbean – diverse regions with similar climates. Citrus aurantium var. amara is a hybrid of Citrus maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin) and is the preferred fruit used for natural perfumery. Along with Neroli (Orange Blossom) and Petitgrain Bigarade (Orange Leaf) essential oils and absolutes, Bitter Orange has one of the three important aromas derived from Citrus aurantium var. amara.
Limonene is the primary constituent (up to 95%) in Citrus aurantium; along with other citrusy terpenes, esters, coumarins and oxides, it is responsible for the sparkling fresh, tart, fruity green aroma. As described by Steffen Arctander, its aroma is "fresh and yet 'bitter' in the sense of 'dry', but with a rich and lasting, sweet undertone… overall, the odor is distinctly different from that of other citrus oils. It is a different type of freshness, [with] a peculiar floral undertone…"1 Natural perfumer Ayala Moriel appraises Bitter Orange oil as a flower’s best friend, having "…excellent uplifting qualities … [it] blends beautifully with florals, showcasing their beauty like no other citrus does." It may be for its distinctly different aroma that Bitter Orange seems to be preferred in many high-end perfumes.
For information regarding the attributes of Bitter Orange essential oil, please see:
- L'Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, p. 337.
- Essential Oils – A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2012, pp. 206-7, 216-7, 291.
- Aromatherapeutic Blending – Essential Oils in Synergy, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2016, pp. 102, 255.
- Aromatherapy Workbook, Marcel Lavabre, 1990, pp. 87, 89.
- The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless, 2013, pp. 151-2.
For information regarding the use of Orange Essence Oil in perfumery, please see:
- The Hesperidia or Citrus facet,” Sylvaine Delacourte at Esprit de parfum blog, https://www.sylvaine-delacourte.com/en-int/guide/the-hesperidia-or-citrus-facet
Aromatic Profile: Tart, fresh orange aroma with soft green notes and a mild, 'bitter' pithy note in the sense of ‘dry’ but also lightly sweet; adds an interesting note in natural perfumery.
Appearance: Very pale yellow, transparent, mobile liquid.
Use: Aromatherapy, Natural Perfumery.
Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.
Blends Well With: Angelica, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Caraway, Cardamom, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cistus, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Fennel (sweet), Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Labdanum, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Linden Blossom, Litsea cubeba, Mandarin, Marjoram (sweet), Mimosa, Myrrh, Myrtle, Neroli, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spikenard, Tagetes, Thyme ct Linalool, Vanilla, Vetiver, Violet Leaf, Ylang Ylang. Bitter Orange has "a different type of freshness, a peculiar floral undertone which occasionally shows indolic notes, and a comparatively good tenacity."2 "More interesting and tenacious than Sweet Orange."3
2 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 480.
3 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 66.
4 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 371.
The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.
Customer Reviews for Orange, Bitter Red - Organic EO
- Bitter orange- unusual blend Review by Liona
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Rating I found the bitter orange to have a uplifting, ripe, sweet orange scent. While trying samples, I mixed 3 drops of fir balsam absolute 10% with 10 drops of Bitter orange red. The result was a smooth sweet orange based fragrance.(Posted on 5/7/2013)
- Bright and wonderful Review by Aroma Artisan
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Rating I love all the bitter orange oils from EB for different reasons. This red bitter orange is extremely bright and cheerful. It has such a wonderful aroma that is smells a bit like candy to me. Not in a bad way. These bitter orange oils all have a lovely green fresh floral note that is subtle and lilting. Just really great. I love this oil for natural perfumery!(Posted on 4/29/2013)
Tracy