Orange blossom

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Citrus sinensis Osbeck painting by Mary Emily Eaton from a 1917 issue of National Geographic Orange Blossom (NGM XXXI p504).jpg
Citrus sinensis Osbeck painting by Mary Emily Eaton from a 1917 issue of National Geographic
The Orange Blossom Orange Blossom.JPG
The Orange Blossom

The orange blossom is the fragrant flower of the Citrus sinensis (orange tree). It is used in perfume making and has been written about as an aphrodisiac. [1] It is traditionally associated with good fortune and joy,[ where? ] and has been popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings.[ where? ] Orange blossom essence is an important component in the making of perfume. The petals of orange blossom can also be made into the delicately scented orange flower water (as an alternative to rose water), a common part of both French cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine (most often as an ingredient in desserts and baked goods). It's also present in hispanic culinary traditions, with notable examples being Mexican Pan de muerto and Spanish Roscón de Reyes.

In the United States, orange flower water is often used to make orange blossom scones and marshmallows and is the state flower of Florida. [2]

Orange blossom honey (citrus honey) is produced by putting beehives in the citrus groves during blooming period. This also pollinates seeded citrus varieties. Orange blossom honey is highly prized and tastes much like the fruit.

In Spain, fallen blossoms are dried and then used to make tea and the orange blossom gives its touristic nickname to the Costa del Azahar ("orange-blossom coast"), the Castellon seaboard.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marmalade</span> Preserve made from citrus fruits

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The pomelo, from the family Rutaceae, is the largest citrus fruit, and the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. It is a natural, non-hybrid, citrus fruit, native to Southeast Asia. Similar in taste to a sweet grapefruit, the pomelo is commonly consumed and used for festive occasions throughout Southeast Asia. As with the grapefruit, phytochemicals in the pomelo have the potential for drug interactions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yuzu</span> Citrus fruit and plant

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seaboard Air Line Railroad</span> Defunct American railroad

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orange (fruit)</span> Citrus fruit

An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae ; it primarily refers to Citrus × sinensis, which is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related Citrus × aurantium, referred to as bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually ; varieties of the sweet orange arise through mutations.

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<i>Orange Blossom Special</i> (train)

The Orange Blossom Special was a deluxe passenger train on the Seaboard Air Line Railroad connecting railroads between New York City and Miami in the United States. It ran during the winter season only.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orange flower water</span>

Orange flower water, or orange blossom water, is a clear aromatic by-product of the distillation of fresh bitter-orange blossoms for their essential oil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eau de toilette</span> Lightly scented perfume

Eau de toilette is a lightly scented perfume. It is also referred to as aromatic waters and has a high alcohol content. It is usually applied directly to the skin after bathing or shaving. It is traditionally composed of alcohol and various volatile oils. Traditionally these products were named after a principal ingredient; some being geranium water, lavender water, lilac water, violet water, spirit of myrcia and 'eau de Bretfeld'. Because of this, eau de toilette was sometimes referred to as "toilet water".

"Orange Blossom Special" is a fiddle tune about the luxury passenger train of the same name. The song was written by Ervin T. Rouse (1917–1981) in 1938 and was first recorded by Rouse and his brother Gordon in 1939. Often called simply "The Special" or "OBS", the song is commonly referred to as "the fiddle player's national anthem".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Citrus × sinensis</span> Cultivated trees bearing sweet oranges

Citrus × aurantium f. aurantium(Syn: Citrus× sinensis), a hybrid between pomelo and mandarin, also known as the sweet oranges, is a commonly cultivated species of orange that includes Valencia oranges, blood oranges and navel oranges.

The Inland Lakes Railway, later known as Florida Rail Adventures, was a tourist railroad located in the northwestern portion of Central Florida. The railway operated several excursion trains ranging from a five course dinner train to sightseeing excursions throughout Lake and Orange Counties. The company operated through a lease agreement with the Florida Central Railroad, the owner of the tracks. Trains operated between the towns of Mount Dora, Tavares, Eustis, Lake Jem, and Orlando.

References

  1. Jeff Klinkenberg, Seasons of Florida
  2. "56 Florida Facts". Meet The USA. 2022.