Sunny flavors: Cooking with orange blossom water
What's the story
Orange blossom water is a delicious secret weapon in many kitchens, and it's about time you discovered it too!
This floral elixir is a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines, lending a delicate citrusy-floral aroma to both savory dishes and sweet treats.
Ready to experiment? Here are five fun ways to use orange blossom water in your cooking.
Baking
Elevate your baking
Baking with orange blossom water can turn ordinary recipes into extraordinary delicacies.
Just a teaspoon can infuse cakes, cookies, and pastries with depth and mystery.
For example, incorporating it into a classic pound cake recipe or brushing it over warm-from-the-oven scones imparts a gentle yet unmistakable essence. The result? Familiar treats with a subtle twist, their flavor blooming with floral notes and a whisper of citrus.
Beverages
Refreshing beverages
Orange blossom water is the secret ingredient your drinks are missing.
From sprucing up homemade lemonade to adding a twist to your favorite cocktail, a dash of orange blossom water brings a whole new level of flavor and sophistication with its distinctive aroma and taste.
It complements citrus juices beautifully, making for delightfully refreshing creations that are just right for those sunny days.
Salads
Flavorful salads
Salads get a serious upgrade with a dash of orange blossom water in the dressing.
Whisk it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a fragrant dressing that pairs wonderfully with green salads.
Try it in fruit salads or grain-based salads like tabbouleh. Its floral notes work magic with fresh ingredients.
Rice
Aromatic rice dishes
Rice dishes provide an ideal canvas for experimenting with orange blossom water.
A few drops added to the cooking water infuse plain rice with a tantalizing aroma and delicate flavor.
This floral touch is particularly complementary to Middle Eastern and North African recipes. Think fragrant pilafs or comforting rice pudding - the possibilities are as vast as your culinary imagination!
Desserts
Unique desserts
Orange blossom water truly shines in desserts, where its delicate floral notes can take center stage.
Adding it to custards, creams, or syrups infuses a subtle layer of complexity, transforming even the simplest desserts into memorable treats.
Try it in whipped cream or as a fragrant drizzle over fresh fruit to experience its versatility and surprising harmony with a variety of flavors.