Orange water
Description
Orange blossom water is a clear, slightly oily hydrosol with a delicate, floral-citrus aroma featuring notes of sweetness and freshness; it looks like water but smells like condensed orange blossoms. It has a subtle taste, adding freshness without overpowering the dish, making it ideal for finishing desserts and beverages. Nutritionally, orange blossom water does not provide significant calories or macronutrients, but it contains trace amounts of volatile oils and phenolic compounds, which are attributed with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as aiding digestion and relaxation. In the kitchen, it is used to flavor cakes, creams, sorbets, cocktails, teas, and marinades, as well as to enhance dishes from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Store it closed in a dark bottle in a cool, dry place; once opened, it is best used within 6–12 months to maintain its full aroma.