The bitter orange Citrus aurantium came as one of the first citrus species, so to speak as a vanguard, to Europe. Originating from China, it was the Arabs, with the help of which this citrus species was first spread throughout the Mediterranean and then brought to Italy by crusaders traveling to Palestine. In southern Spain, in the former Arab Andalusia, one can still see the wonderful bitter orange groves beside the former mosques. Due to its stature, the bitter orange Citrus aurantium can be characterised as a very vigorous and upright growing plant. It has deep green, strikingly beautiful leaves that grow on the stems that are unmistakably winged by bitter oranges. During the flowering period, which takes place mainly in the spring, it shines in a charming white and smells very pleasant, as we know it only from sweet oranges. The spherical fruits have an uneven, rough peel and are flattened at their ends. The taste of Citrus aurantium is slightly bitter and slightly sour. The rich orange colour of these gorgeous-looking exotics appears in late autumn.
