Citrus aurantium (immature) / ZHI SHI / Bitter Orange Fruit

Botanical Name – Citrus aurantium (immature)

Chinese Name – ZHI SHI

English Name – Bitter Orange Fruit

Bitter orange, Seville orange, sour orange, bigarade orange, or marmalade orange refers to the citrus tree Citrus × aurantium and its fruit. The bitter orange is believed to be a cross between Citrus maxima and Citrus reticulate.

It is native to Southeast Asia, and has been spread by humans to many parts of the world. Wild trees are found near small streams in generally secluded and wooded parts. Citrus aurantium is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m by 6 m.

The fruit of the tree both, raw or cooked is very bitter. It is used in making marmalade and other preserves. The rind of the fruit is often used as a flavouring in cakes and as an addition in ‘bouquet garni.’