How is orange blossom hydrosol produced?

The orange blossom grows on the Bitter Orange tree (or Bigaradier). The origin of this thorny shrub is somewhat unclear, somewhere between India and China. It was following the Crusades, around the 11th century, that the Bitter Orange tree appeared around the Mediterranean (particularly in Andalusia). Its fruits are edible, but bitter. Its flowers are fragrant and possess soothing, softening and hydrating properties. The orange blossom is used in various ways: as an infusion, as a hydrosol for skin and hair care, or even as a massage oil.

Theorange blossom hydrosol is obtained by hydrodistillation, also known as steam distillation. This technique allows for the extraction of two distinct fractions: theessential oil and thehydrosol. It takes place in several stages:

1. Firstly, the flowers are harvested in the summer and dried.

2. The dried flowers are mixed with water in a still, then the mixture is heated.

3. Water vapour is cooled in a condenser and collected in liquid form. Essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, floats on the surface. This water is none other than the hydrosol. Originating from the same plant, the two fractions have similar properties, but the hydrosol is less concentrated in active species because the aromatic essences are present in smaller quantities. Therefore, it can be used without contraindications by children and pregnant women, unlike the essential oil.