My favourite time of year.
I was just out on the balcony enjoying the morning sun and there it was – the gorgeously subtle fragrance of orange blossom (azahar) in the air. Then I looked down and saw the first blossoms on one of the trees.
So for the next three weeks or so the streets here are going to smell like heaven.
I wasn’t surprised to learn that orange blossom has natural calm-making qualities as I find it very soothing and, oh I dunno, even uplifting. All I know is that everything feels better while the orange trees are in blossom.
casa azahar 
I’m so jealous!
🙂
LikeLike
I’d send you some but they probably wouldn’t be so fragrant after a week in a bubble envelope.
LikeLike
You are right, az, orange blossom (also called Neroli) are used in aromatherapy for anxiety, depression, nervous tension, pre menstrual tension, shock, and stress related condition. It is good for wrinkles, poor circulation, colic.
Incidentally, it is one of the precious essential oils, which my supplier doesn’t even bother to sell in quantities larger than .125 fluid ounces, which amounts to 3.7 milliliters. That would be $34.74 per .125 fl. oz. So enjoy!
LikeLike
I once bought a very expensive 1/4-filled eensy-weensy pretty blue bottle of Neroli oil from Neil’s Yard. It was very nice mixed with water and used as a face toner after washing/before moisturizing. But it didn’t really smell like orange blossom.
Back in the old days here schoolkids used to drink a tablespoon of ‘agua del azahar’ before taking exams to calm their nerves. They still sell it at some pharmacies. I tried it once – tasted vile.
But I don’t doubt it’s natural de-stressing properties as I know just the scent of it has a very calming and pleasant effect on me.
LikeLike
You know, I’d wondered what ‘azahar’ meant and kept intending to look it up… and now you’ve explained and it makes perfect sense!
I feel the same way about lavender. 🙂
LikeLike
It’s sooo gorgeous today that I almost can’t stand it! The past couple of days things seem to have peaked in terms of how orange-blossomy the streets are around here.
Balcony doors are all flung wide open. It’s very warm and spring-like so the fragrant warm air coming into the flat is so heavenly it’s almost too much (but in a good way).
But I’m afraid I can’t agree with you about lavender, truce – it always reminds me of other people’s grandmothers…
LikeLike
Pingback: azahar again! « casa az