Lime peel

Citrus fruits entered the Mediterranean world through trade routes that linked Persia and Egypt with Greece and Rome. Ancient Egyptians infused lime peel into scented balms for temple rites, noting its refreshing quality in papyrus records dated to 1500 BCE. Greek physicians prescribed lime zest for its invigorating scent, believing it cleared the mind during bathing rituals. By the 16th century, Spanish explorers introduced lime peel to European courts, where it appeared in aristocratic toilette powders. The 19th century saw the first mechanical presses, allowing perfumers to isolate lime peel oil in measurable quantities. Early French maisons used the oil to brighten fougère and chypre compositions, establishing its role as a top‑note. Today, lime peel remains a staple in both niche and mainstream fragrances, linking modern scent design to a lineage that spans millennia.