Italians gather orange blossoms to obtain essential oils and extracts which are later used in perfumes production. In addition to traditional sweet orange trees, Italian gardeners also cultivate bitter orange trees. The essential oil obtained from its blossom is called neroli oil. It is slightly sharper comparing with the orange blossom, and also warm, sweet and floral.
The name “neroli” dates back to the 17th century, when the princess of Nerola Anna Marie Orsini set the fashion for the bitter orange essence applying it on her gloves and scenting her bath.
The harvest of orange blooms takes place in late April through early May. Blooming oranges can be observed at a Hesperidarium Garden of Citrus in Castellare di Pescia that boasts over 200 varieties of ornamental citrus fruits, including the varieties that date back to the sixteenth-century and were cultivated for the Medici family. Villa Medicea di Castello, located in Florence, also has the garden with Medici citrus collection.
Practical info
When is the best time to see the orange blossom harvest?
The orange blossom harvest in Florence can be seen at its best from late April to early May when the trees bloom. The fragrant blossoms are then harvested for perfumery and essential oils in Italy. Show more
Where can I locate the Hesperidarium Garden of Citrus?
You can find the Hesperidarium Garden of Citrus in Castellare di Pescia, in Tuscany. This is a small town that is home to over 200 varieties of ornamental citrus fruits, some dating back to the sixteenth century and grown for the Medici family. The Villa Medicea di Castello, in Florence, is also home to the Medici citrus collection. Show more
What are the benefits of neroli oil in perfumery?
Neroli oil has been used in perfumery for its warm, sweet, and floral aroma. It is obtained from the bitter orange blossom and is slightly sharper than other orange blossom extracts. Due to its calming effect, neroli oil has been used to treat anxiety and is believed to help with emotional and physical issues such as stretch marks. Show more
When did the use of bitter orange oil become prevalent?
Bitter orange oil gained popularity in Italy in the 17th century when the Princess of Nerola, Anna Marie Orsini, scented her bath and gloves with the oil, setting a trend. The oil was named neroli in her honor due to her origin town, Nerola. Show more
What are other places to find citrus gardens and collections in Florence?
Florence has several places where one can find citrus gardens and collections other than the Hesperidarium Garden of Citrus and the Villa Medicea di Castello gardens. These include the Boboli Gardens, which has citrus trees and is a 16th-century park, La Limonaia di San Giovanni, a greenhouse that has a collection of lemon and orange trees, and the Giardino dell'Orticoltura, which is a botanical garden with a collection of citrus fruits. Show more
