№107Condiments
Orange Blossom Water
Traditional slow copper-distillation of fresh bitter orange blossoms to yield highly concentrated, fragrant orange blossom water.
Materials
What you’ll need
- 5 lbs fresh Seville bitter orange blossoms (Neroli flowers)
- water
Method
How it comes together
- 1
Harvest fresh, dew-covered orange blossoms early in the morning. Rinse gently.
- 2
Place blossoms and water in the copper pot of an alembic still. Seal the joints with clay or flour paste to prevent steam leaks.
- 3
Heat still slowly over low heat (approx. 200°F / 95°C). The steam will pass through copper pipes into a cold water condenser.
- 4
Collect the condensed liquid (hydrosol) in clean glass bottles. The first bottle collected is highly concentrated orange blossom water.
Accuracy note
A blossom infusion is not orange blossom water and spoils quickly. Use only verified edible blossoms free of agricultural sprays.
Chef’s note
Keep orange blossom water sealed in dark bottles; it matures and develops a sweeter aroma over several months.
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