Petitgrain facts for kids
Petitgrain (say "peh-tee-gran") is a special kind of essential oil. It comes from the leaves and green twigs of the bitter orange tree. This oil is made using a process called steam distillation. It is also known as petitgrain bigarade.
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What Does "Petitgrain" Mean?
The name "Petitgrain" comes from a French phrase meaning "little grain." This is because, a long time ago, this oil was made from the tiny, unripe green fruits of the bitter orange tree. These fruits looked like small grains.
Where Does Petitgrain Come From?
Petitgrain oil is mostly made in Paraguay and France. The oil from Paraguay often has a stronger, longer-lasting smell.
This oil has a fresh, woody, and slightly orange scent. It is very popular in perfumes and colognes.
Different Oils from the Same Tree
The bitter orange tree is amazing because it gives us three different essential oils:
- Petitgrain oil comes from the leaves, and sometimes the twigs and branches.
- Neroli oil is made from the beautiful flowers of the tree.
- Bitter orange oil is usually pressed from the rinds (outer skin) of the fruits.
Even though they all come from the same type of tree, each oil has its own special smell!
Petitgrain from Other Trees
There are also other types of petitgrain oil:
- Petitgrain mandarin comes from the leaves and branches of mandarin trees.
- Petitgrain citronnier comes from the leaves and branches of lemon trees.
How Is Petitgrain Used?
Petitgrain oil is used in many ways. It is a popular ingredient in perfumes because of its fresh scent. It is also used in aromatherapy. People use it to help them relax or feel refreshed.
