Florida Grapefruit is grapefruit from the US state of Florida, historically one of the most important growing regions in the world and the source of a classic grade of grapefruit oil. In perfume it signals a juicy, sunny, sweet-tart grapefruit with a bitter peel.

What does Florida Grapefruit smell like?

Florida grapefruit oil is generally described as fresh, juicy and well rounded, with the fruit's bitterness balanced by a sweeter, sunlit character. Oils from white and pink cultivars differ little, but seasonal and regional variation matters: the Indian River district on Florida's Atlantic coast has long been associated with high-quality fruit. As a note in fragrance, Florida grapefruit is often used as a label to suggest a brighter, more American-style citrus than other origins.

Where Florida Grapefruit comes from

Grapefruit trees came to Florida in 1823, when Odet Philippe planted them near Tampa Bay, and the state went on to become a leading producer in the 20th century. Oil is pressed from the peel by juice processors. Production has fallen sharply since citrus greening disease was detected in Florida in 2005, and hurricanes have added to the decline.

• Fragrance family: Citrus
• Type: Natural
• Main origins: Florida, United States, especially the Indian River region
• How it's obtained: Cold expression of the peel as a by-product of juicing
• Key aroma molecules: Limonene, nootkatone, sulphur compounds in trace amounts

Florida Grapefruit in perfume history

Florida's grapefruit industry grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and for decades Florida oil was a standard reference in the flavour and fragrance trade. Its ready supply helped grapefruit emerge as a mainstream fragrance note in the late 20th century, especially in fresh American fragrances.

Florida Grapefruit in modern perfumery

Florida grapefruit is increasingly scarce, and prices have risen as the state's harvest has shrunk. Many suppliers now blend or replace it with oils from other origins and with synthetic grapefruit materials. Research into disease-tolerant trees continues, but for perfumers Florida grapefruit has become more of a label of style than a guaranteed source.

How Florida Grapefruit wears and what it pairs with

The note behaves as a lively top note that lasts up to half an hour or so. It pairs well with orange, mint, ginger, vetiver, cedarwood, basil and musky notes.

Safety and regulation

Expressed grapefruit oil contains furocoumarins, and IFRA restricts it in leave-on products because of phototoxicity. Limonene is an EU-declarable allergen.