Orange Blossom
 

It’s the time of year when Tunisians living in Cap Bon have their annual orange blossom harvest. The orange blossom flower has many uses, including the creation of culinary delights, cosmetic products, and use in some cultural customs like weddings where it is sprayed on guests as perfume. Orange flower water is frequently used to sweeten pastries and desserts. This water is used in the preparation of certain Tunisian dishes like the sweet couscous, or Masfouf. It can also be mixed with sugar and strawberries, and is used in some Tunsian crèmes like Dro3, Samsa, Hriset Lou and in coffee.

Orange blossom absolute, extracted from fresh orange blossom flowers, is used in many expensive fragrances, especially those in the floral, citrus and oriental scent families. Orange blossom flower extracts have become something of a sweet, citrusy staple in many well-known perfumes. It is also used in homemade perfumes by those who prefer more natural scents.