Tangerine peel

Citrus reticulata originated in the forests of Southeast Asia, where early traders prized its fragrant peel for ritual incense. Ancient Egyptian tomb murals depict citrus offerings, and Roman texts record the use of tangerine zest in scented oils for elite baths. The fruit traveled west via the Silk Road, reaching Mediterranean ports by the 10th century. Its name derives from Tangier, a Moroccan seaport that served as a key distribution hub in the 15th century. By the 1800s, French perfumers began extracting tangerine peel oil to add bright top notes to colognes, a practice that spread to England and the United States. Today, the note remains a staple in modern fragrance houses, valued for its ability to lift heavier accords while retaining a natural citrus character.