Absolutes

Used in perfumery and aromatherapy, absolutes are similar to essential oils. They are concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques or more traditionally, through enfleurage.

First, an organic solvent, such as hexane, is added to the plant material to help extract the hydrophobic compounds. This solution is filtered and concentrated by distillation to produce a waxy mass called concrete. The lower molecular weight, fragrant compounds are extracted from the concrete into ethanol. When the ethanol evaporates, an oil—the absolute—is left behind.

This method leads to the high quality extraction of oils without altering the plants natural scent or compound and because it takes very little heat compared to steam distillation it does not alter the characteristics or scent of the oil and is thus preferable for high end oils such as Rose and Jasmine.

The Valley of the Roses

Every year the Valley of the Roses, Bulgaria plays host to the wonderful spectacle that is harvest time. The area becomes a giant celebration of Roses and the air is awash with the pure scent of Rose being harvested and distilled. The valley is famous for producing the finest Rose in the world due to the combination of climate and soil.

Each May, we visit our Bulgarian growers and select the Rose Oil which will be used in the coming year. This direct approach over the past 5 years has ensured we have access to the finest oil and importantly with Rose ensures we are buying direct from the producer, eliminating any risk of contamination or altering of the Rose which can be common due to its expense.