Orange Blossoms

Orange blossoms are the fragrant white flowers of the orange tree (Citrus × sinensis), prized for a heady, sweet scent that's distilled into orange blossom water — a defining flavor in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean desserts. The flowers themselves bloom briefly each spring before giving way to developing fruit.

Growing Orange Trees

Orange trees need a frost-free or nearly frost-free climate to thrive outdoors, so gardeners in cooler zones typically grow a dwarf variety in a large container that can be moved indoors before frost. Established trees bloom reliably each spring, and the flowers' fragrance is often noticeable throughout a garden well before the blooms are visible up close.

Culinary Uses

Orange blossom water, made by distilling the fragrant flowers, flavors baklava, madeleines, and countless Middle Eastern pastries and drinks with a delicate, floral sweetness. Fresh blossoms themselves are sometimes used sparingly as a garnish or steeped briefly into syrups, though the distilled water is far more common in recipes.