Citrus

A citrus fruit corresponds to a fruit produced by a tree of the genus Citrus, Poncirus, Fortunella, Limonia, Microcitrus, Citropsis or even Triphasia. Among the best-known citrus fruits are lemon, orange, grapefruit, bitter orange, citron, bergamot, yuzu and mandarin. Citrus fruits form a very large family, both in cooking and in perfumery. Citrus flavors are generally fresh and tangy. Some are sweeter while others are more bitter. Citrus fruits can originate from China, Asia, Indonesia or Japan and have been used for thousands of years.

The history of citrus

The geographic origin of citrus remains uncertain, but many researchers believe it lies in Southeast Asia, at least 4,000 years BC. Before reaching France, citrus fruits traveled through South Africa, North Africa and the United States. It was in 1850 that France received its first shipment of oranges. Initially it was mainly Spain that exported its citrus fruits. It is thought that the two oldest citrus fruits are lemon and citron. Citrus fruits have been used in perfumery for a very long time, and they are in fact behind the famous Eaux de Cologne. Today, all citrus fruits are used in perfumery and have joined the large olfactory family of Citrus notes.

The pairing of citrus with other ingredients

The citrus family brings together all citrus fruits. It is in fact the essential oil that is used in perfumery. This oil is obtained by extraction from citrus peels. The first Eau de Cologne, created by Roger & Gallet, dates from 1806. Today citrus notes blend wonderfully well with the 6 other olfactory families, and are highly appreciated for the freshness they bring to a composition, even though they are considered volatile notes. Of course, citrus fragrances often combine more than one citrus fruit, as in L’Eau des Merveilles by Hermès, or in Ô de Lancôme by Lancôme, where the top notes combine lemon, petitgrain, bergamot and mandarin. Citrus notes have also found their place within masculine fragrances, as in Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior or in Chrome by Azzaro. Citrus notes can also be found within floral perfumes such as L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci (floral-spicy), or in Aroma Blue by Lancôme (floral-jasmine). Citrus can also be found in oriental perfumes, such as Bois Rouge by Tom Ford (oriental-woody), or in woody perfumes such as the famous 1 Million by Paco Rabanne.

While citrus fruits are behind the Eaux de Cologne, they are today essential ingredients in niche perfumery. Thanks to their freshness and tangy tonality, they are highly favored by noses who know how to use them to their full value.