Good evening welcome back to our series sharing Unique Holidays: June 26th, 2021. Would you like to celebrate National Orange Blossom Day and if so why and how?
As far as delicate, fragrant flowers go, the Orange Blossom has got to be near the top of the list of the world’s favorite flower. Orange Blossoms are used in Perfumes. This flower has long been believed to bring good fortune and because of this its often seen in bouquets and wreaths at weddings.
Orange Blossom petals can also be used to make Orange Flower Water, an alternative to the perhaps better known Rose Water, and is often used in culinary arts to make desserts and cakes.
Today is about observing the versatility of this fragrant flower, and perhaps finding out a little more about what Orange Blossoms have to offer.
History of Orange Blossom Day
Orange Blossom flowers has been a part of traditional Medicine and perfumes for generations, and there showing no signs of dropping out of favor these days.
As the flower of the Citrus Sinensis – an Orange Tree to me and you – it’s a widely available ingredient and a pretty, delicate white flower.
In French and Middle Eastern cuisine, Orange Blossoms shows up quite frequently as an ingredient – in the Orange Flower Water incarnation and cakes and treats are made from it.
In the United States, the Orange Flower Water is often used to make the Teatime Cake of Scones, but it’s also found in recipes for the chewy treat of Marshmallows.
Orange Blossoms can be the base of Honey too – Orange Blossom Honey can be created quite simply by beekeepers putting their beehives into Citrus groves around the time that the little flowers start to bloom. The flavor in the Honey is very distinctive and makes it a highly sought after sweet treat.
Blossoms which have fallen from the tree can be dried and used to make Tea – which is done particularly in Spain.
How to celebrate Orange Blossom Day
Have you ever used Orange Blossom in your cooking or baking? If not then today would be a good day to try Orange Blossom tea or a treat.
Orange Blossom Water is usually available to buy in stores or online pre-made, so you don’t have to worry about messing around with the leaves of the plant and can get straight to baking!
Orange Blossom Oils can also be used to make your own Perfumes and Room Fragrances, or you could put a few drops into your homemade soaps and moisturizers for a truly luxurious Orange Blossom treat!
Food Finds about Oranges:
- Navel Oranges are named that because of the belly-button formation opposite the stem end. The bigger the navel in an Orange, the sweeter it will be.
- When is an Orange green? When it’s a Valencia! Sometimes warm weather causes the skin to re-green, or reabsorb Chlorophyll, giving it a greenish color. But it will still taste great.
- Oranges are high in antioxidants, which neutralize the effects of free radicals, unstable Oxygen Molecules in your body, believed to cause aging and some diseases.
- Moro Oranges are also called Blood Oranges! But don’t worry. That’s just because the pulp is bright red. They’re really a sweet treat.
- After Chocolate and Vanilla, Orange is the world’s favorite flavor.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
