What is Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract?
Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract (Citrus aurantium L.) is a natural flavoring substance derived from the peel of the bitter orange, also known as Seville orange or sour orange. The extract is obtained through various processing methods such as solvent extraction, cold pressing, or other mechanical separation techniques. This flavoring agent contains volatile oils and compounds that contribute distinctive bitter and aromatic qualities characteristic of bitter oranges. The CAS number 977081-87-0 uniquely identifies this specific substance in chemical databases.
Common Uses
Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Common applications include:
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly liqueurs, bitters, and cocktail mixers
- Non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and flavored waters
- Confectionery products including candies and chocolates
- Baked goods and desserts
- Flavoring syrups and concentrates
- Herbal teas and infusions
The bitter orange flavor profile is valued for its complex taste that combines citrus notes with characteristic bitterness, making it a popular ingredient in traditional and craft beverages.
Safety Assessment
Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract is derived from a natural plant source (Citrus aurantium L.) that has a long history of use in traditional beverages and food products. The extract contains naturally occurring compounds including limonene, myrcene, and other terpenes commonly found in citrus essential oils.
As of current FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract, and no recalls have been issued related to this ingredient. This safety record, combined with its natural origin and limited concentration in food products, supports a favorable safety profile for typical food applications.
The bitter orange plant itself has been used for centuries in culinary and traditional applications across various cultures, contributing to the ingredient's established history of use in foods.
Regulatory Status
Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract is not currently listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list. However, the absence of a GRAS designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification may not have been submitted or completed with the FDA.
The ingredient may be used in food products under FDA regulations governing food additives and flavorings. Natural flavoring agents derived from citrus sources are permitted in food use within the United States, though specific regulatory pathways and limitations may apply depending on the final food application and concentration levels.
International regulatory status may vary. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies may have evaluated this ingredient under different frameworks specific to their regional requirements.
Key Studies
While Orange Peel, Bitter, Extract itself has limited formal published safety studies specific to its use as a food additive, the safety profile is supported by:
- The long-standing culinary use of bitter orange in traditional beverages and foods across Mediterranean and other cultures
- General safety data on bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and its components, which have been studied in various botanical and phytochemical contexts
- The chemical composition profile of bitter orange essential oils and extracts, which contain compounds recognized as food flavoring components
- Zero adverse event reports and zero recalls in FDA databases
Research on bitter orange plant constituents continues in scientific literature, though most studies focus on specific isolated compounds rather than the complete extract as used in food flavoring applications.