Boronia (Boronia spp.) is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family that is well known for their distinctive fragrance, use in perfume and flavorings, and as cut flowers.
Boronia megastigma is the main species of Boronia harvested for its essential oil which is used for food flavoring and fragrance uses. The two main aroma compounds of the Boronia essential oil are beta-ionone and dodecyl acetate.
Boronia species are present in all Australian territories. Native to Western Australia, Boronia megastigma is a shrub growing up to 7 feet tall with aromatic leaves and flowers, the flowers cup-shaped and dark brown or purplish on the outside with yellow on the inside.
Boronia megastigma is available in several varieties with other flower colors to be used as an ornamental not only for its flowers but also its fragrance, which resembles violet and cassie.
As a food flavoring, it is mainly used to enhance fruit flavors, like creating a blackcurrant flavor in food, and the oil is used in perfumery. Boronia flowers are considered GRAS in the USA as a flavoring.
Boronia essential oil is not very common due to difficulty in cultivation and extraction.
In aromatherapy, Boronia essential oil is mainly promoted for depression, anxiety and as an aphrodisiac, and for having a soothing and cooling effect on the skin.
The Boronia flower essence is said to be useful for resolving obsessions, freeing the mind and leaving it calm.
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