Stories: Asian Citrus
There are scents that do more than just smell good—they transport you. They carry you back to a place, a time, a feeling so vivid you can almost reach out and touch it. For me, that scent is calamansi, a tiny yet powerful citrus fruit that is woven into the fabric of my childhood in the Philippines.
The Scent of Home
Growing up, calamansi was a staple in our kitchen. It was never just a fruit; it was a way of life. Every morning, I’d watch as my family sliced open the little green spheres, releasing their bright, tangy aroma into the air. We’d squeeze the juice over pancit to give it that perfect balance of acidity, drizzle it over grilled meats, or mix it with soy sauce as a dipping sauce for crispy lumpia. And on hot, humid afternoons—of which there were many in the Philippines, there was nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of calamansi juice, ice-cold and sweetened just enough to take the edge off its natural tartness.
But calamansi isn’t just another citrus. It’s not as sharp as lemon, not as sweet as orange, and not as bitter as grapefruit. It has its own unique identity—vibrant, crisp, and slightly floral, with a scent that lingers in the air like a warm memory.
Bringing the Philippines to My Home Today
Even after moving to the United States, calamansi remained a part of my life. It wasn’t always easy to find—depending on where you live, fresh calamansi can be elusive—but whenever I do, I cherish it. It connects me to my roots, to my family, to the flavors of my childhood.
That’s why we created Asian Citrus, our hand poured 100% soy wax candle and phthalate free room spray. I wanted a fragrance that wasn’t just another generic citrus blend but one that truly captured the essence of calamansi—the way it brightens a dish, refreshes the senses, and brings comfort in its familiarity. Asian Citrus is crisp, clean, and invigorating, a scent that fills the room with the same energy and warmth that calamansi brought to my childhood home.
A Fragrance That Stands Out
If you love citrus scents but want something different from the usual orange or lemon, Asian Citrus is for you. It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of the tropics into your home, whether you’re lighting a candle for a cozy night in or freshening up your space with a burst of room spray.
And if, like me, you want to keep calamansi close, why not grow your own? Via Citrus offers calamondin trees for home gardens, allowing you to experience fresh calamansi year-round. There’s something truly special about plucking your own fruit, slicing it open, and inhaling that unmistakable fragrance—one that now, thanks to Asian Citrus, you can enjoy any time.
Bringing a Piece of My Heritage to You
Scents have the power to tell stories, to carry memories, to bring us back to the places we love. Asian Citrus is my story, bottled up and shared with you. It’s the scent of home, of childhood, of hot summer days and cool evening breezes, of family meals and simple joys.
Light the candle, spritz the spray, close your eyes, and let the fragrance of calamansi take you on a journey.
-R