The Nabeul community perpetuates the know-how of their ancestors as the locals keep alive the tradition of picking and distilling Orange blossoms, Neroli, Geranium and Roses.
Nabeul is one of the largest towns in the Tunisian cap Bon peninsula and the capital of the Nabeul Governorate. It is considered as well as Tunisia’s capital of fragrance. The town hosts each year a traditional organic floral water fair and many fair exhibitors specialized in floral waters participate.
To obtain the precious floral water. The magic happens in cylindrical copper vats. Over a naked fire, geranium, roses or orange blossom are rested during several hours. They will eventually turn into floral water through artisanal evaporation.
Communities in Nabeul celebrate the distillation period every year. People pick the flowers of wild orange trees in the neighborhoods, to sort them and before they move to the stage of artisanal distillation.
From the launch of the flower-picking season in April to the production of Zāhar, the local term for the distilled plant water, members of the Nabeul community are involved.
They pass on old-age skills and know-how to fill the ‘Fechka’, these glass bottles with curved body and very narrow neck.
Floral waters have made their way out of sole perfume industry. Orange flower water for example is a fever-reducing remedy and can be used in pastry and different food recipes.
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