Botanical Name: Citrus x aurantium L.

Family: Rutaceae.

Synonyms: Citrus aurantium Swingle; C. aurantium subsp. bigaradia ; C. aurantium subsp. amara; Seville orange, orange flower; neroli bigarade.

Origin: Native to South East Asia. It was brought by traders to the Middle East and then to Europe. Then it became established in the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain. Major producers are France, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, USA.

Botanical Description: An evergreen medium sized tree, up to 10-meters (30 ft) high. It has stiff branches and very spiny, with dark glossy green leaves. The flowers are white and very fragrant. Fruits are roughly spherical. The whole plant is very aromatic.

Extraction: Essential oil is obtained by steam or water distillation of the flowers. The oil is a clear, pale to very pale yellow mobile liquid, becoming viscous and darker with age. Yield 0.1%.

Aroma Profile: Has a sweet-terpeny top note. The middle note is fresh, rich, powerful, refreshing floral. The dry out is not at all tenacious, very light floral.

Major Constituents: β-pinene (7 to 17%), limonene (9 to 18%), linalool (28 to 45%), linalyl acetate (3 to 15%), beta (E)-ocimene, geraniol, α-terpineol.

Adulterants: Frequently with petitgrain oil, synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate, geraniol.

Regulatory Status: GRAS 182.20.

Aromatherapy: Centering, relaxing, soothing, sensual, exotic.

Blends well with: Lavender, lavandin, clary sage, sandalwood, hyssop, bay, bergamot, lime, lemon, laurel, clove, cinnamon, geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, coriander, chamomile, rose.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Non-phototoxic.