Petitgrain Absolute, extracted from the leaves of the Bitter Orange tree, is a fragrance material that has appeared on the market only in recent years. Ours has a deep, complex, green aroma with notes of citrus zest, citrus blossom and slight woody undertones. Perfumer Mandy Aftel swoons over Petitgrain Absolute, calling it “…mesmerizing… like a green orange, is refreshingly tart, animalic and indolic.”[1]

Along with Neroli (Orange Blossom) oil and absolute and Bitter Orange peel oil, Petitgrain has one of the three important aromas derived from Citrus aurantium var. amara. Much more than a simple leaf aromatic, Petitgrain also ‘borrows’ chemistry from both fruit and flower for its capacity as the ultimate liaison between the lively, terpenic peel ‘top note’ volatiles and the sultry ‘middle note’ floral nuances. Comprised of mostly linalool and linalyl acetate, Petitgrain Absolute has adaptive and enhancing capabilities similar to Lavender Absolute, but with a more fruity/floral and less powdery character. Formulators will enjoy adding this relatively new, powerful green aroma to personal care products and unique perfumery creations.