Orange blossom water

Orange blossom water, also called orange-flower water, is a distillate of the blossoms of the bitter or Seville orange. The blossoms are simmered in water and the liquid is distilled, capturing their perfume.

It has a delicate floral aroma and is used in small amounts in both sweet and savory cooking. A food writer on ckbk notes that it animates strawberries and enhances almond and dried-fruit cakes, shortbreads, madeleines and cocktails.

In baking it is added by the teaspoon to syrups, custards, cakes, cookies and doughs. A little goes a long way, and too much tastes soapy, so bakers add it gradually. Store the bottle tightly closed and away from heat so the aroma lasts. It is sold in small glass bottles.