NEROLA ORANGE BLOSSOM

At the end of the 16th century, Anne Marie Orsini, the beautiful, enchanting princess of a small Italian medieval village called Nerola, began scenting her clothing and bath with her favorite perfume, the oil from the blossoms of her Bitter Orange Tree. It is said that the aroma was so intoxicating, and she so beloved, that soon everyone in her village was paying homage to her by doing the same. Named in her honor, the Nerola or Neroli blossom, with its sweet flowery notes mingling with a spicy musk undertone has been a favorite perfume ingredient ever since. Sometimes called Seville Oranges, the fruit of the Bitter Orange Tree is used in marmalades and jams. Today the finest Neroli comes from the South of France.