What is an orange. Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.)

Many are interested in orange, what it is. The orange tree is an evergreen plant that can reach a height of 2-10 meters. It is included in the genus of citrus and has branches: strong, long, thin. It differs from other varieties by the presence of rather long sharp spines. Grows in the Himalayas. Although the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, the Caucasian territory and Latin America are engaged in its cultivation. Let's talk about orange in more detail.

What is an orange

What does an orange look like? What is this tree? This plant culture is familiar to everyone due to its main value - the fruits. The fruit is berry-shaped Orange color and slightly flattened. The fruits are somewhat similar to tangerines or small oranges. It doesn't take a lot of effort to peel off the fetal crust. Under it there are 12 lobules with seeds, on which there are yellow grooves.

They are bitter in taste and inedible, 60-70 mm in size. No less popular is the orange flower. It is called "orange blossom". The color is used in pharmaceuticals and perfumery. In the world, the plant is also called like this: sour or bitter orange, Seville orange, bigaradiya.

His skin is made up of:

• Essential oils;
• glycosides;
• organic acids;
• Carbohydrates.

A fairly high cost is the neroli type of orange aroma oil, which includes: camphene, myrcene, anthranilic acid methyl ester, limonene, geraniol, linalool.

Thanks to these substances, the extract has a wonderful smell and has healing qualities.

This fruit is not usually eaten raw. But its unique taste and aroma have found wide use in cooking. In particular, they are used for the preparation of candied fruits, marmalade products, additives to a variety of sauces and drinks. Only the orange peel, which contains a lot of essential oils, takes part in all these processes. The pulp is not used. Even the famous Avicenna used the fruits of this citrus. He also wrote a large number of alternative medicine recipes that are still used today.

orange peel

Not just because the plant is so in demand on the planet. Pomeranian has a lot of healing qualities.

The following can be distinguished:

• Removal of inflammation;
• Application in the treatment of rheumatism;
• Soothes, used to treat depression;
• Rejuvenates;
• Improves appetite, positively affects the digestive system;
• Choleretic action;
• Positive effect on the work of the heart muscle.

Also, orange is an antiseptic, eliminates spasms and relaxes. Orange peel accelerates the treatment of colds and respiratory diseases. This fruit is able to eliminate the inflammatory process of the testicles in the stronger sex. The grains of the tree can be said to be an antidote for the defeat of a person by insects and a snake.

In alternative medicine, the following recipes are used:

1. Sleep loss collection. It will take 10 g of valerian root, the same amount of lemon balm leaves and hops. There you also need to include 10 g of orange flowers and mix everything. 2 tablespoons of this collection should be brewed with 200 ml of boiling water. Put the composition on the stove for 5 minutes, closing the lid. The drink should be drunk in the amount of 1 mug in the evening in a warm state. Honey can be added to the drink. Nuts are suitable as a snack.
2. Soothing orange collection. To create it, you need to mix 20 gr. lemon balm leaves with 10 g of St. John's wort, add 10 g of orange color and 5 g of rose hips to them. It is required to take 1 spoon of the mixed composition, pour 100 ml of boiling water and put on fire for 5 minutes. Strain the drink, drink it in a cup 3 times a day.
3. Collection of herbs to normalize appetite. It is necessary to take 10 g of orange skin, the same amount of centaury grass and wild rose. Take 1 teaspoon of this collection and scald 200 ml of boiling water. The water must be clean. Leave for 5 min. stand and strain. Drink a ready-made drink before eating warmed up.
4. Vodka remedy. For cooking, you need to take 1 tablespoon of dry orange skin and pour 400 ml of vodka into it. Vodka must be good. The mixture must be insisted for 2 weeks. Strain, apply in the form of compresses or for rubbing in case of injury to the joints.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor.

Where is orange used?

The plant, whose flowers have a delicate bright white hue, was in demand in the Middle Ages. Many peoples used them to decorate the head of the bride or decorate the wedding dress.

Flowers symbolized:

• Purity;
• Tenderness;
• Youth.

Only in the middle of the 20th century did the fashion for orange die out. Instead, they began to use callas and roses. In the period of fashion for plants unique tree was relevant. It was specially planted in a large container so that it could be brought into the house in the cold. The most popular orange is the one planted by the wife of Charles III. The most delicate aroma, in which there are light aromas of jasmine and honey notes, have found their use in perfumery. Even today it is used to make perfumes.

But not so long ago, during the Renaissance, only rich people could use this kind of perfume. This is due to the high price of these fragrant flowers. Orange delicate oil has been used by chefs in their recipes since ancient times. It is also used in pharmaceuticals. It was used to cure the plague. Today, in alternative medicine, it is used to treat various diseases.

The smell of orange

A fairly effective anti-aging drug is neroli aroma oil. Therefore, it has quite broad scope use.

Its main effects are:

• Narrowing of pores;
• Elimination of small wrinkles;
• Elimination of stretch marks;
• Elimination of stress spots;
• Cellulite remedy;
• Remedy for dermatosis and eczema.

Aroma oil can be used for any type of skin. It soothes, dilates blood vessels, is an antiseptic, eliminates various irritations. Since the level of concentration of neroli aroma oil exceeds analogues, it is necessary to test for sensitivity before using it. This will help prevent the development of allergies. Also, its relaxing properties are contraindicated when there is a need for a clear head and a quick reaction. Like other types of cosmetics and medicines, neroli is not for everyone. It should not be applied to the skin before going out in the sun. You also need to check for allergies to the constituent substances.0.00 (0 Votes)

The homeland of the orange tree is Southeast Asia, but it is also grown in the Mediterranean countries, in the Caucasus, in Latin America. Pomeranian is a low tree (height can be 2-10 m). Its branches are long and thin, covered with thorns. Belongs to the citrus family The color of the leaves is green.

The main value of the tree is berry-like fruits of orange color, which have a slightly flattened shape. In appearance, they look like a tangerine or a medium-sized orange. The skin is easily separated from the fruit, and it consists of 12 slices with furrowed yellowish seeds. The taste of the fruit is bitter-sour.

Known orange tree and with their white flowers, having beautiful name"Orange blossom", and used in pharmaceuticals and perfumery.

Fruit

Pomeranian is widely distributed under such names: sour orange, Seville orange, chinotto, bigaradiya, bitter orange. The composition of the peel includes glycosides, organic acids, carbohydrates, essential oils. The essential oil of the fruit (neroli) is highly valued, containing camphene, myrcene, anthranilic acid methyl ester, limonene, geraniol, linalool. All these components give it a wonderful aroma and useful properties.

Fresh bigaradium is not eaten, but the unusual taste and wonderful smell excite the imagination of culinary specialists who prepare candied fruit, marmalade from fruits, add to various drinks and sauces. In this case, not the pulp itself is used, but only the skin, which contains in large numbers useful and fragrant essential oil.

The fruits of the orange were used by Avicenna and described their benefits in his writings.

Orange properties

It is no coincidence that bigaradiya enjoys wide popularity. Pomeranian has a lot of useful properties:

• Has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• Useful in the treatment of rheumatism;
• Calming effect on the nervous system, used to combat depression, apathy, depression;
• The fruits have a rejuvenating effect;
• Bigaradiya is useful for the digestive tract - improves digestion, increases appetite, has a choleretic effect;
• Beneficial effect on the heart.

In addition, orange peel has antiseptic, antispasmodic, laxative properties, it helps to overcome colds and diseases. respiratory organs. Men of the properties of orange may be interested in the fact that the fruit is used to relieve inflammation of the testicles.

Bigaradia grains are used as an antidote for bites of poisonous insects, as well as snakes.

The use of fruits

Here are a few recipes that you can use to prepare medicines for various ailments on your own.

From a headache. We dry the skin of the fruit, grind it into powder in a mortar, combine with vinegar. You should get a mixture of ointment consistency. We apply it on a gauze bandage and apply it to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe temples.

To strengthen the heart muscle and improve the functioning of the stomach, you can use this tool. It is necessary to crush the dried peel of the fruit, take 10 g and drink with water. This medicine is also taken for arrhythmia and vomiting.

The composition and properties of fruits can improve appetite. To do this, we prepare such an infusion. Rosehip, centaury and orange peel are combined in equal proportions and brewed in a glass of boiling water 1 tsp. collection. Let the product brew for 5 minutes, decant, drink warm liquid shortly before eating.

To eliminate problems with joints and injuries, vodka is prepared from the peel of bigaradia. Dry skin in the amount of 1 tsp. pour 2 glasses of vodka, let it brew for 2 weeks, then decant. With the finished product, we make compresses, rub problem areas.

Interesting fact. The unripe fruits of the tree are called orange nuts. Their diameter is 5-15 mm. "Nuts", falling from the tree on their own, are used for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

flowers

In the Middle Ages, beautiful white flowers were very popular. In many countries, they complemented the image of brides, being woven into the hair or being the decor of the outfit. They symbolized tenderness, purity, youth. " orange blossom boom» in wedding fashion, it declined only in the middle of the 20th century, when callas and roses became more popular.

The magnificent aroma, reminiscent of jasmine with hints of honey, was not spared by perfumers - to this day, the essential oil of flowers is used to create perfumes. During the Renaissance, only noble ladies and royalty could afford to use perfume from white fragrant flowers of an orange tree.

Essential oil of orange blossom has been used for a long time in cooking.

Pharmacists also appreciated its properties - the flowers were used to combat the plague epidemic. Today it is also used to combat other ailments.

Neroli

This is the name of the essential oil extracted from the flowers taken from the orange tree.

It has such useful properties:

• Neroli has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. With its help, they get rid of depression, stress, insomnia, etc.;
• Has antimicrobial and antiviral properties;
• Allows you to get rid of a number of dermatological diseases, scars, scars;
• Strengthens immunity;
• Used for rehabilitation in the postoperative period.

The use of neuroli

You can use the flowers of the orange tree to make medicines at home.

Sedative. Lemon balm leaves (20 g), St. l. the resulting mixture is poured with boiling water (100 g). Boil the product for 5 minutes, decant. The liquid must be taken 3 times / day in the amount of 1 cup.

Against insomnia. We combine in equal quantities valerian root, hops, lemon balm and orange blossom. In a glass of boiling water, brew 2 tsp. the resulting mixture, heat on the stove for 5 minutes. in a closed container. Shortly before bedtime, the remedy is taken in the amount of 1 glass. Honey can be added to the decoction, which also has a calming effect.

Oranienbaum

In German, the name of the orange tree sounds like oranienbaum. There is no reliable data explaining the reason that this name was given to a small town located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. In 1785, each city of Russia was assigned a coat of arms. In the same year, Oranienbaum received a coat of arms in the form of an orange tree.

Pomeranian is a representative of the citrus family, which has an extraordinary taste and a traditional citrus aroma.

By analogy with the Ukrainian “pomaranch”, “orange color”, it is clear that this fruit is closest in appearance to an orange, but its taste is a kind of mixture of unripe orange and lemon, that is, quite sour-bitter.

Despite the specifics of taste, the orange is valued no less than its cultivated relatives. He is unique healing product and is actively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of serious diseases.

Overseas miracle

In nature, the fruits of orange are poured and ripen on the branchy crown of evergreen trees growing in the warm tropics. The height of the orange tree is on average 3 m, rarely 10-12 m, the fruits themselves are round, slightly flattened, orange, like an orange, about 7 cm in diameter.

India is recognized as the birthplace of the plant, but today orange is grown in the most different countries With suitable climate. In addition, the tree feels great in greenhouses and ordinary living quarters.

In Russia, orange is very often grown as a houseplant, it grows up to a meter in height and regularly bears fruit, though quite small - with Walnut, but still suitable for use as a drug.

In supermarkets, you will rarely meet oranges - the specificity of taste. There are few lovers of this citrus, since it is unlikely to be eaten with pleasure, acid and bitterness are too pronounced.

A feature of the orange is that all its parts are valuable from a medical point of view - leaves, fruit zest, flowers. All of them are suitable as flavors, rich in medicinal essential oils.

Dried orange zest is added to pastries, sweets, it is very aromatic and gives desserts an unsurpassed fresh note.

Essential oil is one of the most commonly found products from orange. It is an integral part of aromatherapy, an ingredient in many alcoholic beverages.

By the way, orange is a welcome fruit for all lovers and connoisseurs of alcohol production, since vodka infused with orange never causes a headache in the morning after a feast.

There is interesting fact: Pomeranian is depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Lomonosov.

Pomeranian - good

The orange itself, even in its mature form, is not eaten, but it is the raw material of valuable essential oil and zest, in which all the healing power of the plant is concentrated.

The fruit is often referred to as the bitter orange. and from the point of view of bioactivity and benefits for the body, it is more valuable than.

1. Orange improves appetite, improves digestion, and is useful for sluggish bowels.

2. Used to make herbal preparations.

3. Considered one of the best remedies for nervous disorders. Bitter orange is effective for nervous insomnia, with panic attacks accompanied by tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and a sense of fear.

Relieves irritability, extinguishes excessive nervous excitability. Helps with neurasthenia and all its manifestations.

4. An effective gastric sedative, especially orange flowers, tea from them removes nausea, vomiting.

5. Means based on this citrus help with migraines, especially those associated with stress and depression.

6. Used in aromatherapy to improve mood, increase vitality, relieve fatigue and stress.

7. Orange preparations strengthen the heart muscle.

8. Rescue from a hangover.

9. Strong bactericidal properties of orange juice - a remedy for dental problems.

10. Dry orange peels stop bleeding, heal wounds and ulcers.

11. Treat heartburn.

12. Used to speed up recovery from viruses and colds.

13. Orange oil promotes the synthesis of vitamin D, which is extremely important for people living in regions where there is a lack of sunlight.

14. It has a lymphatic drainage and diuretic effect.

15. Also, the oil eliminates the manifestations of atherosclerosis, prolongs youth and the active phase of life, delays senile manifestations.

16. Used in perfumery and cosmetology.

Oriental healers know much more about orange. They take full advantage of the plant's potential to treat patients different ages and states.

In countries where orange is freely available, everyone knows about its anti-sclerotic, stimulating, antiseptic, laxative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, analgesic, tonic, antitoxic, choleretic, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Drinks with orange improve mental activity, help strengthen memory, and stimulate other cognitive functions.

Due to its exotic nature, it is rather problematic to purchase orange fruits or zest on the domestic market, except perhaps oil.

Therefore, at any opportunity to order or bring orange derivatives from warm countries, do not miss your chance to get a unique remedy for many diseases, especially nervous ones, which are more relevant in today's life than ever.

There are many recipes for using orange, and most of them are reliable and effective.

Pomeranian has no contraindications, as such. Only possible allergy to citrus fruits. Be healthy.

Synonym: sour orange, bigaradiya, Seville orange.

evergreen woody plant with orange-red bitter fruits. Since ancient times, it has been highly valued for medicinal properties fruit and is widely cultivated as a source of essential oil and also as a citrus rootstock.

Ask the experts

In medicine

Bitter orange is used for medicinal purposes as an effective sedative for various nervous disorders (to reduce irritability, increased nervous excitability, fear, neurasthenia, sleep disturbances, etc.). In addition, the fruits and peel of bitter orange are used as part of preparations that stimulate appetite and improve digestion. Therefore, preparations made on its basis are prescribed for hypovitaminosis, metabolic disorders. They are also effective for chronic inflammatory processes as an accompanying therapy that reduces the negative effects of antibiotics.

For official medicine, orange oil is of particular value, which is currently being actively studied by gerontologists as a means of longevity and against premature aging, as well as to eliminate the symptoms of atherosclerosis. It has been scientifically proven that the use of orange oil is effective in such diseases as arterial hypertension, migraine (frequent headaches), paroxysmal muscle spasms. It also has a beneficial effect on the endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

Among manufacturers of dietary supplements, bitter orange, due to its composition, has gained popularity as safe means for weight loss. According to studies, the ingredients of the orange reduce appetite, increase the breakdown of fat and thus help to get rid of excess weight. Therefore, orange peel extracts are often found in dietary supplements offered for overweight.

The fruits of bitter orange in the pharmaceutical industry are actively used in the manufacture of various drugs, in particular gastric, carminative and laxatives. Usually, orange-based preparations are used in the form of tablets and capsules. From the crushed peel of ripe orange fruits, tinctures are prepared, which are used as a means of increasing appetite, increasing the secretion of gastric juice and improving digestion. The essential oil of bitter orange is added to the ointment. Pomeranian fruits are also used as a flavor additive (korrigens) to various medicines. The peel of the fruit is part of the finished pharmacy tincture as an aromatic bitterness. In addition, orange fruits and juice from them have long been used for medicinal purposes by traditional oriental medicine. For example, the fruits of bitter orange are part of contraceptives.

Contraindications and side effects

Pomeranian bitter has no contraindications for use as such, but in some
cases may cause allergic reactions. In addition, people with weak
immune system, pregnant and lactating women, as well as children and
individual intolerance, it is better to refrain from using drugs on
its basis

In aromatherapy

The most popular essential oil among aromatherapists is neroli, which is obtained from orange blossoms. Bitter Orange Oil is used in many medical procedures ( nervous tension, depression, spasms, convulsions, insomnia, etc.).

In cosmetology

Bitter orange (especially oil) occupies a special place in modern cosmetology. It is used in various cosmetic products. It relieves acne, rejuvenates and saturates the skin with vitamins. With its prolonged use, the skin becomes soft, elastic, pores shrink. In spas, bitter orange oil is used in the form of face masks, and in crushed form, the herb is used to reduce freckles. Oil is one of the strongest anti-cellulite remedies.

In other regions

In herbal medicine

The medicinal properties of bitter orange are much more appreciated in herbal medicine. Tea from the flowers and leaves of bitter orange is one of the best stomach and sedatives. It is effective for nausea and vomiting, as well as migraines caused by stressful situations.

The economic significance of bitter orange lies mainly in obtaining oil from it: from the peel of ripe fruits - essential oil; from leaves - petigran; from flowers - neroli. Orange oil also serves as the basis for the production of artificial essential oils, in particular lemon and bergamot.

Oil, extract and infusions of bitter orange flowers are widely used in pharmacy, in the production of cosmetics and perfumes as fragrances in the manufacture of medicines and expensive perfumes, as well as in Food Industry in the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshing drinks.

In the culinary and food industry

In the food industry, fruits and tinctures from bitter orange flowers are actively used in the manufacture of many products. In fresh form, bitter orange fruits are inedible, therefore they are used mainly for juice production. Pomeranian fruits are also valued for their zest. It is used in its pure form as a light spice, or used to color and flavor juices and refreshing soft drinks, tinctures, liqueurs. The immature fruits of the orange "orange nuts" are also raw materials for the production of essential oil used in the alcoholic beverage industry. Culinary experts appreciate the zest, it is added to many confectionery products (cakes, marmalades, dessert dishes). Dry and finely chopped peel of orange fruit is added to muffins, cottage cheese, etc. As a flavoring agent that gives a fresh citrus taste, zest is added to sauces and sauces for fish and poultry meat dishes. In England, the peel is used in the production of sweets (in fillings). Neroli and petitgrain essential oils from bitter orange flowers and leaves are also used to make marmalade, candied peels and soft drinks. Oils are used in food aromatic essences for drinks, chewing gum, etc. Flower infusions are also used in the confectionery and other food industries. The refreshing and energizing aroma of orange is also used in various compositions of blended teas.

In the perfume industry

Essential oil (neroli and petitgrain) from bitter orange flowers is very popular in the perfume industry as the main component in many flower compositions of fragrant perfumes. Due to its pleasant fresh smell, orange oil is used to scent rooms, eliminate heavy odors, etc.

In horticulture, bitter orange is used as a rootstock for citrus fruits. For this purpose and as ornamental plant it is quite widely bred in many countries.

Classification

Pomeranian sour, or bitter (lat. Citrus aurantium) - belongs to the genus Citrus (lat. Citrus) of the citrus subfamily (lat. Citroideae) of the rue family (lat. Rutaceae). The genus includes about 15 species, most of which are cultivated, improved by centuries-old selection of original wild-growing, now not preserved forms.

Botanical description

evergreen tree up to 10 m high, with a rounded crown. The leaves are simple, entire, alternate, petiolate, without stipules. characteristic feature plants is the presence in the leaves of numerous translucent glands - receptacles of essential oil, providing a specific strong aroma. In the axils of the leaves there is one large spine, which is the metamorphosed leaves of the axillary shoot. The flowers are white, fragrant, solitary or in bunches, bisexual, with a double perianth. The tepals are free. Stamens 10. Syncarpous gynoecium. Upper ovary. The fruit is an orange or hesperidium, round in shape, about 7.5 cm in diameter, orange-red in color with sour pulp, an extracarp with many essential oil glands. Fresh inedible. Blooms in April - May. The fruits ripen in November - January.

Spreading

Unknown in the wild. Motherland - Southeast Asia. Cultivated in the Mediterranean countries, in the humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Distribution regions on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Almost all parts of the plant are harvested for medicinal purposes: unripe fruits (peel), flowers, leaves and young shoots. They are cut and dried in the open air or in attics. Of particular value for medicinal purposes is the zest of the fruit, which is removed by cutting it into four parts. Store raw materials in linen bags for a year.

Chemical composition

The peel of bitter orange fruit contains essential oil, which contains ocimene, myrcene, limonene, linalool and geraniol esters, naringin, terpinolene, jasmol, phenylacetic and benzoic acids, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, as well as anthranilic acid methyl ester, which gives the oil delicate fragrance. In addition, sugars, organic acids (citric, malic, salicylic, gallic), glycosides (hesperidin, isohesperidin), belonging to the group of substances with P-vitamin activity, and flavonoids were found in the fruits. Leaves, branches, young stems and flowers also contain essential oils: petitgrain, neroli, orange. Stakhidrin was found in the leaves, and fatty oil (about 18%) was found in the seeds.

Pharmacological properties

Orange preparations have antiseptic, antisclerotic, analgesic, choleretic, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, stimulating, tonic, diaphoretic, laxative effects. Orange oil stimulates the synthesis of melanin and vitamin D, leveling the lack of sunlight in northern countries, strengthens the immune system, tissue regeneration, has a mild diuretic and lymphatic drainage effect. Orange oil eliminates the symptoms of atherosclerosis and premature aging, promotes longevity. Furocoumarin and umbelliferone, which are part of the orange fruit, have strong antifungal and antibacterial activity. The essential oil of orange fruit also exhibits bactericidal, antiemetic, antitussive, diaphoretic carminative, expectorant activity. Pomeranian copes well with nervous disorders, in particular, reduces irritability, increased nervous excitability, sudden states of fear with frequent heartbeats, neurasthenia with disruption of the stomach and loss of appetite, and sleep disturbance. Orange improves attention, memory and other cognitive thinking processes. Preparations made on the basis of orange seeds improve appetite, relieve pain in the chest area, severe cough, etc.

Application in traditional medicine

Since ancient times, bitter orange has been highly valued by traditional healers for its medicinal properties. The people consider bitter orange effective tool from nervous overexcitation, fear, palpitations, insomnia, depression, hypertension and hangover. Preparations based on orange strengthen the nervous system, heart muscles. Traditionally, it has been used as an antiemetic, for nausea, indigestion and indigestion, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, prolapse of the rectum, painful urge and constipation, congestion in the chest cavity, diseases of the spleen, and as a general aid to digestion. Bitter orange is widely used as an antitussive, diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant for various inflammatory processes. For example, orange fruit juice is one of the best bactericidal agents for inflammatory processes in the oral and nasal cavities. Seeds of bitter orange are recommended for chest pains, colds, coughs, inflammation of the testicles. The leaves, flowers and peel of bitter orange fruits are used for heartburn and fungal diseases. Oriental medicine has long used the fruits of orange and juice from them. In particular, Chinese healers used dry orange peels for ulcers, wounds, diarrhea and bleeding.

History reference

Bitter orange has been known since ancient times and is highly valued for its healing properties. It is well adapted in the Mediterranean region, where it was brought by the Arabs in the 11th century. At present, the orange is widely cultivated in China, California, Israel, South America, on the Black Sea coast Caucasus.

In ancient Egypt and Rome, bitter orange flowers were used for decorative purposes, and they also disinfected and cleaned rooms. The ancient Greeks considered the orange flower a symbol of fertility and girlish innocence. The orange flower was a traditional part of the bride's wedding bouquet and wedding dress. The bride's head was decorated with orange flowers on the wedding day, and a wreath was woven from the branches for the groom. At the end of the 10th century in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, the fruits of orange were used to make oriental sweets. It has also been used as a remedy. For example, Avicenna included orange in many potions. In Europe, orange became known in the 16th century, and by the end of the 17th century it gained popularity, becoming one of the components of popular perfumes. An infusion of flowers - orange water - in the old days was popular as a fragrant drink, and was also used in perfumery. Pomeranian began to be actively cultivated in France, Italy and Spain. In addition, the essential oil has found its use as a medicine against stomach diseases and as a sedative.

Neroli essential oil, obtained from the flowers of bitter orange, has been known in Europe since the 16th century. It was introduced into the composition of fashionable perfumes already in 1680 and since then, despite the high cost, it has been used in the most prestigious perfumery. Already in the 30s of the current century in civilized France it became difficult to find flower pickers. Therefore, oil production increasingly moved to Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.

The best is petitgrain oil from the leaves of bitter orange, which is called "petitgrain bigarade oil". It has been used in French perfumery since the 18th century. Produced in the South of France. In the 19th century, it began to be made in North Africa, in Italy and Spain, but the need for it exceeded the resources that the bitter orange plantations in all these countries could provide, and from the beginning of the 20th century, Paraguay became a powerful producer of petitgrain oil. In 1880, the cultivation of bitter orange was organized in Paraguay, which was soon crossed with local varieties of sour and semi-sweet orange. The result was a variety of "Paraguayan petitgrain oil".

In Russia, an orange tree is depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Lomonosov, a suburb of St. Petersburg, which until 1948 was called Oranienbaum (from German "Oranienbaum" is translated as "orange tree"). In Japanese poetry, the smell of orange flowers evokes memories of the past. The petals of its flowers filled the pockets of wide sleeves.

Literature

1. Biological encyclopedic Dictionary/ Ch. ed. M. S. Gilyarov) 2nd ed., corrected. M.: Sov. Encyclopedia. 1989.

2. Blinova K. F. et al. Botanical-pharmacognostic dictionary: Ref. allowance / Ed. K. F. Blinova, G. P. Yakovlev. M.: Higher. school, 1990. S. 220.

3. Winkler P. Coats of arms of cities, provinces, regions and towns Russian Empire, introduced into the Complete Collection of Laws from 1649 to 1900. SPb. 1899.

4. Dudchenko L. G., Kozyakov A. S., Krivenko V. V. Spicy-aromatic and spicy-tasting plants: a Handbook / Ed. ed. K. M. Sytnik. K.: Naukova Dumka, 1989. 304 p.

5. Plant life (under the editorship of A.L. Takhtadzhyan). M. Enlightenment. 1981. V.5 (2). 508 p.

6. Elenevsky A.G., M.P. Solovyova, V.N. Tikhomirov // Botany. Systematics of higher or land plants. M. 2004. 420 p.

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9. Kheifits L. A., Dashunin V. M. Fragrances and other products for perfumery. Moscow: Chemistry, 1994. 256 p.

Corniculate.

Pomeranian (bigaradia, Citrus aurantium) is a bitter orange, in nature it is a tree up to 10 m high, with dense and very fragrant dark green foliage, prickly shoots. This plant can be grown at home as a houseplant, indoor forms do not exceed 1 m in height. The flowers of the orange are white, with a very pleasant citrus smell. Pomeranian fruits are eaten only unripe, as ripe ones are already empty inside. Outwardly, they look like an orange, so the orange was previously considered a wild type of orange, but this is different. citrus. Unripe fruits (they are also called orange nuts) - small in size (5-15 cm in diameter), round, hard, with a dark grayish skin, bitter and very fragrant. Unknown in the wild.

Pomeranian is an unpretentious and undemanding plant, which is easily grown in room conditions. It is highly ornamental and fragrant during flowering and fruiting, and is often used as a single rootstock for many other citrus species.

Fasciata.

orange blossom, or orange blossom- a traditional part of the wedding bouquet and wedding dress of the bride, a symbol of girlish innocence. An infusion of flowers - orange water - in the old days was popular as a fragrant drink, used in perfumery.

A refreshing drink and marmalade are prepared from fresh fruits. The essential oil of the flowers is used in perfumery. Varieties of orange include citradium (a hybrid of bigaradium and trifoliates) and bergamot, or bergamot orange.

From the crushed peel of ripe fruits, tinctures are prepared that increase appetite. Unripe orange fruits are the raw material for the production of essential oil used in the alcoholic beverage industry. Pomeranian fruits are used in medicine, and neroli and petitgrain essential oils from flowers and leaves are used to make marmalade, candied peels and soft drinks and are included as the main component in many flower compositions in perfumery; in the confectionery and other branches of the food industry, infusions of flowers are also used. Dried orange zest is considered a delicacy.

Phoetifer.

Pomeranians begin to bloom very early, already from the cutting, but still they need to be allowed to grow first.

The plant is very decorative throughout the year, bears regularly, thanks to its almost dwarf growth and small leaves it is ideal as a pot crop, appreciated by bonsai lovers.

Let's look at the varieties of oranges for indoor cultivation, which can be purchased from nurseries and private citrus growers.

Chinotto

Myrtle-leaved orange "Chinotto". Citrus Myrtifolia 'Chinotto'.

The plant attracts with the shape of the leaves: they are sharp, like a myrtle, as well as a very beautiful dense compact crown. Remontant, high yielding variety. Fruits 3-5 cm in diameter, weight 40-50 g.

Fruits with orange peel, sweet and fragrant, the films are bitter. Candied fruits, liqueur, the famous Italian drink Chinotto are prepared from the fruits.

Myrtifolia is a citrus species with leaves similar to common myrtle leaves. it compact tree With small leaves and without thorns, grows in nature to a height of up to three meters, grows in Malta, Libya, southern France and Italy (mainly in Liguria, but also in Tuscany, Sicily and Calabria).

The fruits of this tree resemble small oranges. They are bittersweet and are usually referred to by their Italian name, chinotto. They are the flavoring in most Italian aperitifs, as well as in several brands of carbonated soft drinks, which are collectively called "chinotto". Citrus myrtifolia is often planted in gardens in warm climates. Due to its compactness, it can also be planted in a pot or other container.

Chinotto variegata

Citrus Myrtifolia "Chinotto" variegated. A rare variegated variety. Myrtle-leaved orange "Chinotto" variegated.

The fruits at the beginning of ripening have a striped color, at the end of ripening they acquire the characteristic orange color of the variety. The pulp of the fruit is sour-bitter, suitable for making marmalade, candied fruit, flavoring drinks.

Chinotto x lemon

Chinolimon. C. Meyer x C. myrtifolia \ hybrido Chinotto x limone Meyer.

A hybrid of myrtle orange "Chinotto" and lemon "Meyer". Fruits are fragrant, with a specific smell. The taste is original and interesting, like a sour lemon with a slight aftertaste of bitter orange.

Corniculata (pomeranian horned)

Citrus aurantium corniculata.

Very decorative and collectible variety, with unusual "horned" fruits.

A plant with a dense crown, grows slowly, requires pruning, dark green leaves, sagging branches. The flowers are white and very fragrant. On the peel of the fruit there are from 1 to 3 horn-shaped processes (sometimes they are absent), the peel is bright orange, the harvest is annual, plentiful.

Bouquet Nice

Nice Bouquet (or Nice Flower). C. aurantium "Bouquettier de Nice". An old Spanish variety known since the 15th century.

Belongs to the group of sour oranges with large flowers.

A small plant, without thorns, does not grow very fast, with rather large leaves, slightly pointed.

The peculiarity of this variety is large double flowers, as well as flat fruits, inside of which there is not a single pulp, but, as it were, separate fruitlets, interspersed with pulp ("secondary fruit").

Phoetifera

Bigaradia (orange) "Phoetifera". C. aurantium "Foetifera". Known since the 17th century, in Italy called Madre & Figlia (Mother and Daughter). Beautiful collectible rare variety.

The variety is prone to repair. The flowers are very beautiful, terry, the fruits are large, orange, bitter-sour. The fruit contains inside a small secondary fruit, the so-called. "fruit in fruit", as in the Bouquet of Nice.

The plant is medium in size, the branches are spreading, but with regular pruning the crown can be given the desired shape, for good growth it requires quite a lot of free space. Flowers solitary or in small clusters, very fragrant. The fruits are strongly flattened, 5-7 cm in diameter, double, the first contains the second (the lobules are located in two concentric circles or asymmetrically), hence the name "mother-daughter", the peel is often dissected (the daughter fruit bends part of its peel outwards).

Melarosa

Citrus sp. Mellarosa.

The name contains both the word bergamot (and bergamot, as you know, is a type of orange), and lemon, more precisely, limonum ( CITRUS BERGAMIA MELLAROSA, CITRUS LIMONUM MELLAROSA). Limonum is a sweet lime (Limetta). So what is Melarosa? Lemon, limette, or bergamot?

It is difficult to understand, because there is both bergamot and melarosa lemon, and the lemon looks and smells like bergamot. It looks like Melarosa should be classified as a bergamot. According to its characteristics, the plant itself most of all resembles bergamot: a small, compact tree, the leaves are large and resemble lemon ones, but with wider lionfish. The fruits are round yellow color and medium size; peel of medium thickness, often ribbed. The pulp is slightly hard, pale, yellow-green, slightly acid with bitterness. The aroma is bergamot (including the leaves when rubbed).

Turcicum salicifolia

Bigaradia (orange) "Turtzicum salicifolia" variegata. C. aurantium "Turcicum salicifolia" (Turkish bitter orange).

Bitter orange is, in fact, a variety of Salicefolia, the difference is variegated leaves and fruits with longitudinal stripes.

The plant is powerful, grows upright, blooms in spring, the flowers are white and very fragrant. Fruit ripening in January, they are suitable for making marmalades, jams.

fasciata

Citrus aurantium Fasciata.

An old Italian variety, already known in the 16th century. Fruits with longitudinal stripes, patterned, for which the variety is valued. Green fruits - with green stripes, ripe - yellow with bright yellow stripes. The name was given for the similarity of the color of the fruit with the clothes of the German soldiers of the Renaissance (Landsknechts), one of the main elements of which were puffs and cuts made of fabric of different colors.

The variety is rather decorative, the fruits of a peculiar taste, bitter, not everyone likes (like most oranges), but they are very beautiful, so the variety is valued by collectors and lovers of citrus crops.

The tree is low, grows slowly, the leaves are dark green (sometimes yellow-green), shiny. The flowers are white, with a strong fragrance. Fasciata leaves may be variegated, but variegation is not a permanent feature.

Abbers Naurofliff

Citrus × aurantium Abers Narrow Leaf (narrow-leaved).

Variety from Italy 18th century, vigorous tree with a dense, wide crown, main feature of this variety - small, elongated, narrow leaves, similar to willow. The flowers are white. The fruits are spherical and have a characteristic neck. The peel is yellow-orange, poorly separated from the pulp.

The pulp is amber-yellow, soft, bitter-sour, there are seeds with which the plant can be propagated.

Consoles

Striped orange, Seville bitter orange. Citrus aurantium "Consolei", Sour Orange, Seville-Orange.

Known in Europe since the 16th century, other names are Canaliculata, Incanelati or Striatum. Decorative collection variety.

A plant with a compact crown, grows to a height of about 1 meter in a room, loves sunny places, few or no thorns at all, the leaves are more round than those of other oranges, noticeably pointed. The flowers are larger than other varieties, white, strong aroma. Fruits 3-5 cm in diameter, longitudinal uneven stripes on the peel.