Orange trees bloom like crazy in the late winter and early spring in California. If you live in an area where citrus grows, or have citrus growers that come to your local farmers market, chances are good that they'll be able to get some orange blossoms for you. Citrus growers tend to thin their trees of flowers and/or fruit in order to regulate their growing cycle, allowing the tree to use less energy and produce better fruit more often. If you're looking for orange blossoms, ask your local citrus growers when their trees bloom and if they'd be willing to sell you some blossoms. Most likely, they'll say yes.
Since citrus only grows in very specific locations, you can make this syrup using orange blossom water and it'll be just as good! If you aren't sure where to find orange blossom water, it has started popping up in conventional grocery stores, but any food mart than carries a good selection or specializes in middle eastern products should have it. You can also order it online.
Orange Blossom Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups orange blossoms, rinsed, or 2 Tbsp orange blossom water
Flower method: In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar on low until the sugar dissolve. Add the orange blossom and bring to a gentle simmer. Immediately remove from the heat, cover, and let the flowers steep for 12-24 hours. Drain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and discard the flowers.
The orange blossom syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. You can freeze it or preserve it by water bath canning for use later on.
Orange blossom water method: In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar on low. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and doesn't stick to the pan. Stir in the orange blossom water and remove from the heat. Cover and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
The orange blossom syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. You can freeze it or preserve it by water bath canning for use later on.