Bitter orange and orange essence may be similar terms, but they are two very different substances. Bitter orange refers to a number of orange varieties belonging to the species Citrus aurantium, while the term orange essence refers to orange oil that has been dissolved in alcohol.
Bitter Oranges
Bitter oranges originated in tropical Asia and East Africa and are now grown in California, Florida, and throughout the Mediterranean area. Subspecies of bitter oranges include: bergamot oranges, grown primarily in Italy; Seville oranges, grown throughout the Mediterranean; amara oranges, which are native to Vietnam but grown in many countries; chinotto oranges, also grown in Italy; and the wild Florida sour orange, found near small streams in wooded areas of Florida.
Food Uses of Bitter Oranges
Bitter oranges are used in a number of food products. The oil of bergamot oranges is used to flavor Earl Grey tea; Seville oranges are prized for use in marmalade due to their having a higher pectin content than sweet oranges; amara oranges are used in liqueurs such as Grand Marnier and Curacao; and the chinotto orange is used to flavor its namesake beverage in Italy.
Herbal Uses of Bitter Orange
The dried fruit and peel of the bitter orange are used to treat nasal congestion, heartburn and appetite loss. In addition, they are used for weight loss, especially after ephedra was removed from the market. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of bitter orange for health purposes," and "there is currently little evidence that bitter orange is safer to use than ephedra."
Orange Essence
Orange oil is extracted from the peel of sweet oranges as a byproduct of orange juice production and consists primarily of d-limonene, the substance that gives citrus fruit its fragrance. Orange essence is made by dissolving orange oil in equal parts 80 to 95 proof alcohol and water.
Uses of Orange Oil and Orange Essence
Orange oil is used for its fragrance in perfume and household cleaners and is also used as an active ingredient in cleansers, as it is an effective solvent for grease and other substances. In addition, orange oil is used as a natural means of pest control against ants: it both kills the ants and destroys their pherome trails. Orange essence is used as a flavor in cocktails.
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