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Citrus Blossoms


Citrus blossom is the quintessential scent of spring in Israel. And if you think that it ends with orange blossoms, you are seriously mistaken. All citrus trees are in full bloom, and if the humming bees don’t waste their time to make honey from all the sweet & tart fragrant nectar, even more so the perfumer and fragrance enthusiast should not miss this fabulous season. I am surprised that the Middle East does not have a tradition of going out to the orchard to admire the blossoms, much like the Japanese admire their Sakura.

The most fantastic thing about citrus blossoms is that the while their scent is distinctively floral, they are also reminiscent of the fruit to come. After all, the fruit is what will come out of the flowers! And as you can see in the pomelo blossom photo above, the little fruit are already starting to emerge.

Orange blossoms

Lemon Blossom

Pittosporum


This evergreen bush was in full bloom everywhere I went in the cities. But it was especially fragrant in the gardens of Jerusalem, where its exceptional aroma, reminiscent of both orange blossom and jasmine scented the air with its uplifting and delicate scent.

Jasmines

There are so many types of jasmine, and while I haven’t seen many Jasmine grandiflorum or Sambac blooming this spring, a different variety that is totally new to me has captured my nose’s attention. It has a delicate aroma that is lightly peach-like, while being ultimately jasmine.
The yellow jasmine is the least fragrant of all jasmine varieties, and is mostly appreciated for its colour.

Pitango


Ripe, originally uploaded by Schröedinger's Cat.

This tiny berry that grows on large bushes, has the shape of little red bell peppers, and a tart flavour with a peculiar aroma that is hard to explain. Like many other tropical fruit, it’s a love it or hate it one. I learned to love it.

Loquat


bunch of loquats, originally uploaded by Kaiki X.

This fuzzy Japanese fruit is best eaten fresh from the tree (just like strawberries are best when just picked). By the time they get to the market, their very delicate and barely-there aroma is lost, but their mild sweetness and refreshing moisture is still a delight – not to mention the tactile experience of stripping the fruit bit by bit from its thin skin, just for the fun of it! (The skin is covered with a fuzzy plumage that can be rubbed, the peeling is not quite necessary).

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