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Orange flower water (aka orange blossom water) is a clear, perfumed distillation of fresh bitter-orange blossoms.

This essential water has traditionally been used in many French and Mediterranean dessert dishes, but has more recently found its way into Western cuisine. For example, orange flower water is used in France to flavor madeleines, in Mexico to flavor little wedding cakes, and in the United States to make orange blossom scones and marshmallows. Orange flower water is also used as an ingredient in some cocktails, such as the Ramos Gin Fizz.

It has been a traditional ingredient used often in Middle Eastern cooking. In the Arab world, it is frequently added to hard or otherwise bad-tasting drinking water to mask the unpleasant flavor. Orange blossoms are believed to be used in this manner because they are seen as the traditional bridal flower and, therefore, symbolize purity (white, small and delicate).

There are many brands available that are made in Europe and the Middle East. There are also several brands made in the United States, one of which is Fee Brothers of Rochester, NY.

[edit] See also

• Rose water
• Neroli
• Bitter orange

[edit] External links

• "Le Bigaradier" Bitter Orange Tree

[edit] References

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