Petitgrain Paraguay

At this time of year, Autumn is one of the best seasons for aroma ingredients and essential oils to flourish – From cinnamon, clove and ginger, to orange, sandalwood, and eucalyptus.

Another popular aroma recognised for its fresh, citrusy scent is Petitgrain Paraguay.

Harvested from October to January, Petitgrain Paraguay essential oil is colourless to pale yellow in appearance, and reminiscent of orange blossom accompanied by woody, earthy elements.

Origin and History

The name Petitgrain translates as ‘little grains’ – originating from the small, green, and unripen oranges from which their leaves were originally used to make petitgrain essential oil.

During the period of colonisation in 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish settlers brought the sweet and bitter orange plants to Paraguay, and were planted across the land.

As a result, hybrids of the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) were developed over time to create the ‘bitter orange tree’, where for the first time in 1880 French botanist Benjamin Balansa extracted the oil.

Today, Petitgrain essential oil is produced in Paraguay, parts of Northern Africa, France and Italy.

Extraction

What makes Petitgrain oil special is that no two crops are the same. It is affected by the terrain’s conditions from which it is grown in, where even the soil can make a difference to its scent.

In terms of extracting Petitgrain Paraguay oil, the tree’s branches, twigs and leaves are distilled alongside the blossoming flowers – hence combining the sweet floral notes with an edgy undertone.

Benefits and Uses

Petitgrain essential oil has a variety of uses and benefits. For instance, many people place it within their diffusers or inhalers for its therapeutic properties, which can help relieve stress and anxiety due to the oil’s calming effect.

It is also commonly used for massage oil, bath oil, skin care, and men’s perfume, with just a few drops added to a base oil or applied on its own depending on the purpose.

Zanos supplies Petitgrain Paraguay as well as other types such as Petitgrain Bigarade, Petitgrain Lemon, and Petitgrain Mandarinier, from our trusted supplier Payan Bertrand, with other essential oils and aroma chemicals.

We are happy to help you find what you are looking for. Email webenquiries@zanos.co.uk or speak to our Sales Specialists on 01565 755899.