4 min read

From Our Farms: Morocco

Written By: Eden Botanicals

On our farm in Morocco the bitter orange tree grows abundantly. From this versatile tree comes a variety or aromatic oils: Neroli, Morocco – Organic and Orange Blossom Absolute – Fine from the flowers, and Petitgrain Absolute from the leaves and twigs.

The first planting of bitter orange trees on this land dates back to 1969 and they have flourished here ever since. In the 70s, each tree had approximately 13’ x 13’ of growth space, though in the 90s that was increased to a little over 16’ x16’ to allow for more flowering and better blossom growth. In addition, the thorny trees were grafted onto non-thorny varieties to increase the strength of the trees and make them more immune to disease. This has no bearing on oil quality, as the grafting focuses on the rootstock, not the flowering and leafy branches so the genetic characteristics remain completely intact.

To further support the health of the trees and reduce the effects of temperature variations, grass is purposely allowed to grow between tree rows. The grass, along with the rest of the farm, is grown organically. It is then mowed and the clippings left in place to act as mulch, along with the spent material left over from the distillation process, which helps regulate soil temperature. This also helps alleviate potential muddy conditions that may occur when it rains during harvest and flower picking. Though as rain is sparse during many months of the year, the main source of water comes from a hand dug well fed by a large local underground water table extending 80 – 115 feet deep.

Grass growing between the rows of trees.

Mowed grass and spent material act as mulch.

The harvest of Neroli essential oil and Orange Blossom absolute lasts between 34 – 40 days, beginning around the end of March and often continuing until early May. It takes approximately 1200 kgs of flowers to produce 1.2 kg of oil. The amount varies depending on the season and any climate-related issues, and the blossoms are processed the same day to optimize yield of the aromatic oil.  For essential oil of Neroli, the flowers are steam distilled to produce an ethereal yet powerful white floral. To produce Orange Blossom absolute, the flowers are first solvent extracted into concrete, and then transferred to our facility in France to produce the richer, headier absolute.

Delicate orange blossoms are picked by hand.

The blossoms are processed the same day as picking.

Following the Neroli harvest comes the production of Petitgrain. After the blossoms are completely harvested, the tree branches are pruned and the leaf and twig clippings from the pruning are then collected to produce Petitgrain. The same process unfolds for the Petitgrain as the Orange Blossom absolute where the plant material is solvent extracted to concrete and then shipped to France to process into Petitgrain absolute. Please note: we are currently experiencing low stock of our Petitgrain Absolute, but it will be available again shortly.

From flower to branch, every part of this remarkable tree finds its aromatic purpose — a testament to decades of careful cultivation and the deep expertise of the growers who tend it. It's this dedication that gives our Neroli, Morocco – Organic, Orange Blossom Absolute - Fine, and Petitgrain Absolute their distinctive character and enduring quality – and make your formulations an elevated experience.

Blossoms and leaves of the bitter orange tree.

The aromatic end result.